Judge Craig Doran is apologizing after a photo of him from a Halloween party in 1988 was circulated. In that photo he appeared “as a well-known public figure of color,” according to a statement apologizing on Friday.
In that announcement Doran said that he would not continue serving as Administrative Judge of the Seventh Judicial District. He will continue to work as an elected Supreme Court Justice.
“I am deeply sorry for my decision to appear in this manner,” he continued. “I did not comprehend at the time the hurtful nature of my actions. 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.”
He asked for forgiveness from those who were hurt by the photo, which apparently circulated in some pockets of social media.
“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,” Doran continued. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue the work I have devoted my 30-year career to, bringing justice to all, particularly those who have been and are the victims of ignorance, bias, racism, or injustice.”
Doran said that the transition to a new administrative judge would be seamless.
Prior to his election to the Supreme Court in 2015, Justice Doran served as an Ontario County Court Judge, having been elected in 1999 and re-elected in 2009. In 2011, he was appointed Administrative Judge of the Seventh Judicial District, making him the chief supervisor of all Courts in an eight-county region.
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