Colorado Springs Councilmember Kimberly Gold has been formally reprimanded by Council President Lynette Crow-Iverson for comments and social media posts she made on Jan. 13 in response to Councilmember Dave Donelson’s reaction to a group of faith leaders who made public comments to Council critical of federal immigration operations. The faith leaders spoke in the context of honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his commitment to civil rights ahead of a Council vote on a proclamation for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Donelson stated during the meeting that he supports the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities and left the meeting.
The reprimand, issued Jan. 20, was also signed by Councilmembers Brian Risley, Tom Bailey, Brandy Williams, Roland Rainey and David Leinweber. Donelson and Nancy Henjum did not sign. Donelson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
On Jan. 23, Henjum told the Bulletin, “Council decorum rules are so broad that I would suggest every Councilmember has violated them at some point. I refused to sign the letter of reprimand because I do not believe Councilmember Gold’s comments violated the spirit of the rule.”
Read the formal reprimand: Councilmember Gold Formal Reprimand with Signatures
Donelson was censured — a formal method of reprimand which, unlike the letter of reprimand sent to Gold, happened publicly — in the summer of 2024 after he asked three Council members to recuse themselves from a vote on a development because they had received campaign donations from the owner of the development, KRCC reported. Actually, KRCC pointed out, four members had received campaign donations from the developer.
A Jan. 14 report by KRCC described Donelson leaving the Council meeting after local faith leaders made critical comments about ICE as the Council considered a proclamation for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Nine leaders attended and spoke in condemnation of actions ICE has taken in targeting immigrant communities nationwide, KRCC reported. The Rev. Josh Rumple, with the First Congregational Church in Colorado Springs, said, “I rise today to invite us, Colorado Springs, to live into this same spirit, and that spirit calls us to decry the unjust, immoral and blatantly sinful actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – ICE,” KRCC reported. “We must boldly stand in solidarity with our migrant neighbors and the members of our community.”
After others also spoke, Donelson said, “I fully support ICE and their actions, and I find what was said here offensive, and I didn’t even like sitting here listening to it,” and walked out of the meeting, KRCC reported.
Gold thanked the speakers, KKTV reported, and then said, “I’m actually quite glad that today’s public comment in support of MLK has brought fiery conversation. Because Dr. MLK was a fiery person, he had to be in order to create change. And we need that same fiery spirit today and beyond to create the continued change that we need in our country so that it reflects the ideals and values of everyone and not just a select few.”
Later, she posted a photo of the Council with the MLK proclamation on Facebook and wrote: “We did a joint proclamation to honor Dr. MLK today. Some residents came in support of the proclamation and denounced ICE’s actions. One of our council members was enraged, angrily stormed off the dais, and then refused to participate in a customary photo.”
In the letter of reprimand, Crow-Iverson said, “As Council President, I find your in-person comments and social media comments, referencing the comments and actions of Councilmember Donelson, to be in violation of the Rules and Procedures of City Council. Specifically, Councilmember Donelson made comments regarding his support of ICE and then exited Council Chambers.”
She then cited the Rules of Procedures section on “Decorum” which says, “Councilmembers should strive to develop an atmosphere of civility that is respectful of diverse opinions. Councilmembers should act with decency towards other Councilmembers, staff, and members of the public at all times. A Councilmember should not impugn or demean another Councilmember, staff or member of the public. Councilmembers should be welcoming to other Councilmembers, staff, and members of the public. Every effort should be made to be fair and impartial in listening to other Councilmembers, staff, and members of the public. Councilmembers should be aware of body language, tone of voice, and word choice as not to appear intimidating or aggressive towards other Councilmembers, staff, or members of the public. Councilmembers should not make personal comments about other Councilmembers or their opinions and actions that may be perceived as derogatory or defamatory.”
Crow-Iverson then wrote that as Council president, she was issuing a formal reprimand, and noted that she as president is authorized to do so.
“As Council President,” she wrote, “I am requesting that you refrain from making future public comments or social media posts regarding your fellow Councilmember’s comments and actions during Item 5.A. Further, as Council President, I request that in the future, you abide by Rule 7-8, “Decorum,” of the Rules and Procedures of City Council.”
A Council staffer said the reprimand is the only one issued by Crow-Iverson since she became Council president in April 2025.
Gold told the Bulletin she was concerned that she wasn’t given the opportunity to review Crow-Iverson’s letter, “because it seems everyone else did. I’m wondering what else am I missing out on that’s going on in Council.”
“What concerns me is I had a meeting with the council president and I was told I had the option to apologize or edit, delete or retract my social media [post], or do a public apology. I said ‘no.’ And I was then told as a result of not being willing to do that, the courses of action that could happen were a censure resolution, removal from boards, commissions and committees, to include the Utilities Board. The other thing I was told was that I could be removed from Council.”
Gold noted that she was elected by District 4 voters and has “a responsibility to engage with the public and inform them of what’s going on. I think when things happen in private, this is why we lose trust in government.”
She said she plans to continue to use social media as a tool to educate and inform people on Council matters. “Our city deserves to know what’s happening.”
She also added, “It’s important to note that Donelson is an advocate for free speech. He is who he is, and is unapologetic about that and, quite honestly, I appreciate that.”
