Former Fayetteville police chief claims hostile workplace forced her to retire

Gina Hawkins, Fayetteville's former police chief, claimed city leaders created a hostile work environment while she held the position.

The allegations are highlighted in a letter from Hawkins' attorney and obtained by WRAL News. The letter was sent Aug. 4 to Fayetteville's city manager, Douglas Hewitt. It names various city leaders and describes specific incidents.

The letter alleges, since Hawkins was hired in 2017, members of the Fayetteville City Council created a hostile working environment toward Hawkins as a Black and Hispanic female.

The letter outlines an incident that occurred in 2020 during a Zoom meeting coinciding with nationwide protests after the death of George Floyd. The letter accuses Mayor Mitch Colvin of continuously screaming at the chief regarding the deployment and actions of police officers in Fayetteville.

In 2022, the letter claims council members Johnny Dawkins and Mario Benavente made what Hawkins believed to be discriminating comments against her.

Hawkins also claims the discrimination continued after she retired in January 2023.

The letter indicates Hawkins has reason to believe that a member of the city council contacted a prospective employer to recommend that she not be hired based on some of the events outlined in the letter. Hawkins did not get the job.

Hawkins' attorney has not contacted the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or other federal agencies about the allegations. They are hoping to settle the matter without filing a lawsuit.

WRAL News reached out to Hawkins, Colvin and Fayetteville's city leadership to request interviews. All declined to comment on the record in case the allegations make it to court.