Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) called for the sanctioning of Chief U.S. District Judge Richard F. Cebull for forwarding an email, on his official court email address, containing racist messages about President Obama. 

“Having this type of vitriol out in the public discourse is bad enough, but to have it permeate our judicial branch is disturbing.  One can raise the uncomfortable question of whether or not these types of racist thoughts and opinions spill over into judicial decisions.  I certainly hope that it wouldn’t, but these actions raise the specter of such wrongdoing.   I want to believe that our country is beyond having hateful messages of any kind but, unfortunately, we see examples such as this one far too often. 

“All Americans who appear before the court deserve to have their case heard without fear of bias and discrimination. We do not need more attacks – even in a failed attempt at humor – on our Commander-in-Chief based on the color of his skin.  Our country is better than that, and the Ninth Circuit Court should be swift and professional in disciplining Judge Cebull, and ensuring that no other member of the Court acts in such a reprehensible manner.”

###