Michigan Judge Kathleen Ryan Suspended for Misconduct

Oakland County Probate Judge Kathleen Ryan has been removed from her docket following the release of recordings in which she made anti-gay and racist remarks. The recordings, made by court administrator Edward Hutton, included slurs against Oakland County Executive David Coulter, who is gay, and derogatory comments about Black Americans. Hutton, who claimed years of harassment from Ryan, sent the recordings to key officials, prompting an investigation by the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission. Chief Probate Judge Linda Hallmark suspended Ryan with pay pending the investigation. Ryan's attorneys stated they look forward to vindicating her in the appropriate forum. The scandal has raised significant concerns about bias and integrity within the Oakland County legal system.