The disqualification of Judge Michelle Odinet serves as a reminder of the consequences one can face from engaging in discriminatory behavior. According to CBS News, Odinet had been caught on video using racial slurs.
According to sources, she claimed to have taken a sedative at that time. When the video was recorded Odinet and her family had just been victims of a robbery. Even though she previously claimed she had no recollection, the former judge later admitted what she said in the video. Odinet blamed her choice of words on both the incident and her state of mind.
In these types of legal situations, an apology is not sufficient. With the help of work discrimination lawyers from Mann & Elias, you can hold them accountable and recover much-needed compensation. Odinet is not only disqualified. She is prohibited from exercising judicial functions, and her pay will be withheld until the legal situation is resolved.
The police apprehended and arrested perpetrator Ronald Handy, a 59-year-old African American man. He has since been charged for stealing. Given what took place, you might be wondering about the circumstances of Odinet’s employment. In this case, she will only be reprimanded for what was said in the video. The Louisiana Supreme Court has the final say – but the Louisiana Black Caucus and NAACP hope she’ll make the right choice and resign.
Any employment attorney in Los Angeles would tell you that what you communicate and do outside of work can be used against you. Employees are a reflection of the company, organization, or institution. Odinet issued an apologetic statement with CBS News: “Anyone who knows me and my husband knows this is contrary to the way we live our lives,” she said. “I am deeply sorry and ask for your forgiveness and understanding as my family, and I deal with the emotional aftermath of this armed burglary.”
