A New York Supreme Court justice has resigned after photos of a controversial Halloween costume he wore 33 years ago surfaced.
“I am deeply sorry for my decision to appear in this manner,” said state Supreme Court Justice Craig Doran in a statement announcing his resignation. “I did not comprehend at the time the hurtful nature of my actions.”
In the statement, the Halloween costume was not identified, only that it was of “a well-known public figure of color.
“I know now that an act of this nature is considered to be racist. I can assure you that this event in 1988 in no way reflects my beliefs and principles.”
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Doran added: “I ask for forgiveness from those who have been hurt by this, those I may have embarrassed, and from the people who have taken time in their lives to educate me about the hurt my actions caused.”
The now-former justice recognized the “Chief Judge’s zero-tolerance policy on matters of racial bias and insensitively” and said he would “no longer be exercising [his] responsibilities as Administration Judge of the Seventh Judicial District.”
DORAN: Blackface at 1988 costume party leads to resignation as administrative judge for the Seventh Judicial District. pic.twitter.com/V7KIw3prlI
— Bob Lonsberry (@BobLonsberry) July 2, 2021
The Monroe County Bar Association released a statement defending Doran as a “champion of diversity” but condemning the prior action.
“Judge Doran has been a champion of diversity within the bench and bar and has worked with the MCBA in its attempts to bring about real and substantive change,” the statement said. “We can all condemn the actions of individuals without condemning the individuals themselves.”
Activists who have worked with Doran on diversity issues also released a statement defending his character amid the controversy.
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“I can say unequivocally that Judge Doran is not a racist,” said the Rev. Lewis Stewart of the United Christian Leadership Ministry. “Many of us are not who we were over 33 years ago.”
State Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks said the process for selecting a replacement would begin soon and that state Supreme Court Justice William Taylor would serve in the seat until someone is chosen.
