Former Trooper Sues Colorado State Patrol Over Bias
A former officer alleges gender-based discrimination and unfair treatment during her tenure.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Women’s Issues
Kelli Litzau has filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against the Colorado State Patrol. The former trooper alleges she faced disparate treatment compared to her male colleagues during her time on the force.
Why it matters
The complaint claims that the agency singled out the plaintiff due to her gender while she served at the Glenwood Springs office. Litzau seeks damages for lost wages and emotional distress resulting from her experience at the agency.
Litzau cites issues with a Class A uniform that caused physical bruising, as the design was reportedly ill-suited for women. Additionally, she notes that her Oxycodone prescription, which led to a leave in 2024, was six years old.
The players
Kelli Litzau
She is a former trooper who resigned from the Colorado State Patrol in June 2025.
Colorado State Patrol
This is the state law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling highways and maintaining public safety in Colorado.
The details
The lawsuit alleges that Litzau was unfairly disciplined for wearing false eyelashes and denied requests to wear a more comfortable Class B uniform. She further claims she was subjected to disparate commuting requirements compared to a male trooper working in Montrose.
Timeline
November 2021: Litzau began academy training and encountered initial uniform issues.
January 2024: The agency placed Litzau on administrative leave following a positive test for Oxycodone.
April 2024: Litzau was cleared of misuse regarding her medication and returned to duty.
June 2025: Litzau resigned from her position with the Colorado State Patrol.
October 21, 2026: The plaintiff filed her federal discrimination lawsuit.
Culture Shift
This case mirrors growing national scrutiny regarding workplace policies that disproportionately impact women in law enforcement. It highlights a broader movement to re-examine how traditional equipment and professional standards align with gender-inclusive practices.
Residents may see continued oversight of state law enforcement practices as the litigation proceeds through the federal court system. The outcome of this case could influence future policies regarding internal disciplinary procedures and uniform requirements for Colorado officers.
The takeaway
This litigation highlights the importance of equitable workplace standards for employees in high-stress roles. Individuals facing similar workplace grievances are encouraged to document specific instances of disparate treatment for potential legal review.
Further reading
Learn more about ongoing legal developments regarding gender equity in the Women’s Issues section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.
