Michigan State Police Inspector sues alleging promotion went to DEI candidate with 'no substantive knowledge' of role | Law Enforcement Today

DETROIT, MI - Michigan State Police Inspector Patrick Morris filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan alleging that under MSP director, Colonel James Grady II, he was passed over for promotion to captain and division commander in place of an "unqualified" lieutenant based on his race and gender because of DEI policies.

Morris, a 29-year MSP veteran, is seeking $75,000 in damages, the promotion in question, and an injunction against Colonel Grady according to CBS Detroit. Inspector Morris reportedly served as the acting captain and commander of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. Morris reportedly applied for a promotion to make his acting role permanent and was denied by Grady, because he is white and opposes the State Police diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policy, specifically in favor of a black candidate.

In the text of the lawsuit, Morris accused Grady of having a “radical view of DEI” and deliberately holding the position open to promote a black candidate. Morris added that Grady "believes the Michigan State Police Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program is a license to violate state and federal law and a vehicle for reparations."

Morris explained that when he interviewed for the position, Grady as part of a three-member interview panel was fifteen minutes late, delaying the proceedings and taking only a few notes, appearing distracted. He described the interview as a “farce,” and said in court documents that Grady asked him for his thoughts on DEI policy during the interview.

In the complaint, he revealed, “Plaintiff (Morris) indicated that he believes in 'diversity,' but that it must occur organically, and all employment decisions must be based on merit. Defendant (Grady) does not tolerate views of diversity which differ from his own and has made this clear to members of the MSP." He further observed that the lieutenant promoted over him possessed "no substantive knowledge of commercial vehicle enforcement."

"The promotion meant that the lieutenant bypassed the Inspector rank (Plaintiff's rank) to become Division Commander (Captain) of a division he knew nothing about. Plaintiff was, by all accounts, the most qualified candidate in all of the MSP for the position."

According to The Detroit Free Press, the lieutenant promoted over him had allegedly engaged in "homophobic rants while leading a meeting for members at his post,” comparing unfavorably to his perfect disciplinary record.

The outlet also noted that Colonel Grady was appointed to lead the Michigan State Police in 2023 and is presently the subject of two ethics complaints from two Police unions.

MSP spokeswoman Shanon Banner responded to the lawsuit in a statement claiming that although the agency does not comment on pending litigation, “the MSP makes promotions based on merit, performance and organizational need."