Former judge causes controversy after allegedly using n-word as an example of hate speech

Responding to a report by KNKX Public Radio exposing letters and emails from inside the King County District Court that discussed former Presiding Judge Susan Mahoney’s use of racial slurs during a meeting, newly-elected Presiding Judge Matthew York said this week the court has “zero tolerance for racism.”

Mahoney allegedly used a racial slur for black people in a February meeting, but the court has declined to comment on the specifics of the incident. The letters and emails obtained by KNKX report Mahoney used the N-word during the meeting, which was held to discuss the possible discipline of a court employee. 

Mahoney first denied the use of any racist language, saying, “I am committed to equity and social justice in our courts and in our society. I have been and will continue to be a strong advocate for the removal of barriers that impede access to justice, for the eradication of the racially disparate or discriminatory treatment of any person, and for a restorative approach to criminal sentencing and the resolution of other disputes.”

However, the KNKX interview contradicted her initial denial, when Mahoney admitted she had used the slur in the meeting as an example of harmful hate speech. 

York’s statement condemns the use of such language in the court, and reiterates the court’s commitment to racial justice. “The Judiciary has zero tolerance for racism, racist words, or discrimination of any kind,” York said. “King County District Court is responsible for providing equal access to justice for all, and our mission is to treat all persons with fairness and respect.”

King County District Court Judge Marcine Anderson wrote a letter to Mahoney regarding the incident on March 1, urging her to step down from the bench.

“It sickens me to write that word, even in the context of this message, but I find it necessary to use your exact language for clarity – appalling language that fell from your lips with such ease and comfort that it might not have been the first time you spoke that word socially,” Anderson wrote. “It is shocking that you felt comfortable using this horrific slur when speaking to an African American woman in a group of credible witnesses.”

While an investigation into the matter has not been confirmed or denied by the court, there are allegedly additional incidents of Mahoney using racist language in addition to the February meeting. The court has declined to comment on the matter.

“Because the Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct (CJC) requires that all complaints remain confidential, the Court cannot comment on specific allegations, including whether or not any judges are under investigation,” says a district court spokesman. “Additionally, when investigations are underway, ‘records are exempt in their entirety while the investigation is active and ongoing.”