Broward judge quits diversity board

 

Broward judge quits diversity board, complaining of 'carrying the white man's water'

The Broward County judge who presides as chairman of the court's fledgling diversity board has resigned from his post, incensed by what he calls the acting chief judge's interference in the board's work.

In a fiery two-page memo dated Tuesday and addressed to acting chief judge Mel Grossman, Circuit Judge Elijah Williams said: "Prior to accepting this appointment, I made it clear to Chief Judge [Dale] Ross that I would not be 'carrying the white man's water'... He agreed not to control, hinder or influence me in any manner."

By day's end Wednesday, Grossman had a memo delivered to Williams asking that he reconsider his resignation.

 
Ross, who is recovering from double hip-replacement surgery, created the four-member board last spring as a string of controversies and judicial insensitivities plagued the courthouse.

Ross chose Williams, the first black judge appointed to the Broward bench in more than 20 years, to be chairman.

The announcement Wednesday of Williams' resignation came one day after Broward judges elected a new chief judge, who vowed to restore dignity to the troubled courthouse, and one day after Ross' appointed adviser to the diversity board publicized his recommendations to bolster it with a fifth member and establish a judicial ombudsman to field, review and investigate complaints before taking them to the diversity board.
 


  
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