Editorial: Federal judge who sent racist email must step down

Monday, March 5, 2012  

"Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull has failed to exhibit good behavior in communicating an ugly, offensive email message that is terribly disrespectful of President Barack Obama, the president’s deceased mother, women, black Americans and citizens who voted for Obama. Once the awful message was sent to the Great Falls Tribune, Cebull apologized. He apologized again Wednesday in an interview with a Gazette reporter. He sent a letter Thursday apologizing to Obama. He asked the Judicial Council of the Ninth Circuit to review his conduct.

“Honestly, I don’t know what else I can do,” Cebull wrote to Obama.

There is something more: Cebull should retire — now . He will turn 68 in a few weeks, having served 11 years as a U.S. district judge, the past four as chief judge of the Montana District."

Get the Story:
Gazette opinion: Shameful message shows it's time for judge to retire (The Billings Gazette 3/4)

Also Today:
Peers, friends defend Montana judge in uproar over racist joke email (The Great Falls Tribune 3/4)

9th Circuit to investigate judge who sent racist Obama e-mail (3/2)
Montana federal judge admits sending 'racist' Obama e-mail (2/29)