WASHINGTON, D.C. – America First Legal (AFL) has achieved a significant victory in the battle for upholding the Constitution and the rule of law as Chief Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel and Judge Staci M. Yandle have rescinded their discriminatory policies and issued apologies following AFL's judicial complaint.
The complaint, filed on January 25, 2024, by AFL alleged that three judges in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois had implemented standing orders that favored minority and female attorneys based solely on their race and sex, in violation of legal codes and constitutional principles.
In response to AFL's complaint, Chief Judge Rosenstengel and Judge Yandle took voluntary action to address the issue. They rescinded the discriminatory standing orders and removed references to 'women and underrepresented minorities' from the case-management procedures.
The third Judge, Judge David W. Dugan, also had a discriminatory standing order in place, which was removed on or about October 14, 2022, following the filing of AFL's complaint.
The Judicial Council of the United States Court of Appeal for the Seventh Circuit emphasized the significance of this victory, stating, "This is an important victory for our Constitution and the rule of law. America First Legal will keep fighting to protect our bedrock pro-American principles and to vindicate every American citizen’s right to equality under the law."
Gene Hamilton, America First Legal Executive Director, Executive Vice President, and General Counsel, highlighted the importance of the legal community in ensuring unbiased resolution of disputes. He stated, "We applaud these moves to rescind these illegal policies, and will continue to fight for equality under the law for all Americans wherever we can."
The actions taken by Chief Judge Rosenstengel, Judge Yandle, and the acknowledgment of the issue by the legal community reflect a commitment to upholding principles of equality and fairness in the judicial system. America First Legal remains dedicated to advocating for the rights of all Americans and combating discrimination based on immutable characteristics.