Lexington's first DEI officer resigns, alleges abusive treatment
Dr. Patricia R. Smyre was appointed to fulfill a contentious role as the first dedicated DEI - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - officer for the city of Lexington. In 2021, Lexington City Council voted to hire a full-time employee dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion. Smyre’s first official day was Monday, October 25, 2021.
In her resignation letter, Smyre writes To: Ms. Tammy Absher, Business Community Development Director CC; City Council Members, City Attorney, President of NAACP noting…
“The created hostile work environment has caused undue stress resulting in the deterioration of my health and a Doctor approved leave of absence, which has caused lasting effects on my well-being.” Outlining tactics she alleges were “intentionally used to demean” her and the position.
Mayor Jason Hayes wrote in a comment, “Please know that I have tremendous respect for Dr Smyre and that her resignation is a personnel matter that I cannot comment on specifically. As elected officials, we take every allegation of discrimination very seriously. Workforce culture and DEI work remain critical components of moving Lexington forward. We want to work to ensure as a City Council that the city of a Lexington workplace environment is safe and fair for every employee.”
Smyre previously served as a coach, educator, public speaker and facilitator. She has over 30 years of leadership experience in various organizations including in a DEI professional capacity for Gaston College.
Smyre earned a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, an MA in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and a BS in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina Greensboro.
Some of her major projects included City Hall banners and a health equity conference. In an original statement to the public, Smyre wrote, “Lexington is on the verge of becoming a progressive, positive influence for the Triad. We have the opportunity to fine-tune the small details to help us soar. My job is to fine-tune so that Lexington can soar.”
Yet the position was met with debate among the council and leadership related to hiring a staff person rather than a consultant, which was a point of contention for city staff and council. After the hire, an outside consultant presented on the topics of diversity, equity and inclusion at a city council meeting. Community leaders openly challenged the decision of not having Smyre present the past year’s DEI initiatives and strategy moving forward. Smyre has also insisted that movement of her office from City Hall was an intentional demotion.
She opened her past presentation remarks to council by saying, “There is nothing to fear when we begin to talk about DEI work. If you have fear, you’ll draw drawback. But if I can get you curious, you’ll lean in. That’s what I want us to do is lean in to this work. Listen with compassion. Recognizing every story that comes to you in regards to diversity, inequity or concern issues is a representation of someone’s lived experience. That deserves your attention, compassion and empathy. I’ll keep it simple, keep the main thing the main thing. My main job is to close the equity gap for everyone. DEI works best with a partnership of leadership.”
Her quick departure leaves remaining questions about Lexington’s DEI priorities. NAACP member and pastor, Dr. Arnetta Beverly, spoke out on behalf of Smyre. "I am so sad we have underlying factors in the governmental structure that have caused us to lose a dynamic, creative, innovative leader in Dr. Pat."
City leaders were unable to respond at press time due to personnel statute restrictions. This is a developing story.
