A probate judge who served 13 years on the bench in Oakland has been removed from the docket after an employee submitted recordings of her admitting she was a racist. The fact that she was busted and removed enough? What about her making racist decistions in the past? Will all of her cases ALSO be reviewed for bias? Will the people who have lost their freedom because of her bias have an opportunity to be heard again?
Probate Judge Removed After Racist and Homophobic Remarks Surface
In a shocking development, Oakland County Probate Judge Kathleen Ryan has been removed from her docket after allegations of making racist, homophobic, and derogatory comments came to light. The investigation, led by the Judicial Tenure Commission, was prompted by years of reported unprofessional conduct and harassment claims, raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of her rulings.
Court Administrator Edward Hutton, who had been subjected to harassment by Ryan, took the bold step of recording her inappropriate statements over several years. According to Hutton, Judge Ryan’s behavior was deeply troubling, particularly as she was responsible for upholding the law and ensuring equal treatment in her courtroom. The recordings, which included homophobic slurs about other elected officials and racist remarks, were eventually shared with the Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court and other public officials when Hutton’s initial complaints were ignored.
Hutton described the toll the situation took on him, saying it impacted his personal relationships and sleep. Despite fearing retaliation and potential job loss, he prioritized his duty to protect the integrity of the court system and ensure that protected groups were not unfairly treated. “I had to come forward,” he explained, emphasizing that his motivation was purely to expose misconduct and safeguard the legal process.
The case against Judge Ryan has sparked wider conversations about accountability within the judicial system, with many calling for stricter measures to address inappropriate behavior by those in positions of power. As the investigation continues, it serves as a reminder that even the highest-ranking officials are not above scrutiny, especially when it comes to ensuring fairness and justice for all.
