U.S. District Judge Ada Brown under investigation for racial comments to lawyer

Who's involved

• Ezra YoungAttorney who filed misconduct complaint
• U.S. District Judge Ada BrownFederal judge under investigation
• Special judicial committeeOrdered psychiatric examination

The facts

• Ezra Young filed misconduct complaint against Judge Ada Brown after April 2026 hearing.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Young represented a Black woman professor suing over tenure denial.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• During hearing, Brown repeatedly referred to Young, who is Latino, as being white.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Brown accused Young of mistreating Black attorneys and took judicial notice of her own background.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Brown revoked Young's ability to practice in her courtroom before the April hearing.¹
• A judicial investigation resulted in Brown temporarily losing her docket in October 2026.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• A special judicial committee ordered Brown to undergo psychiatric examination.²
• Brown circulated her complaint response and Young's complaint in Oct. 17 email to over 100 people.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Ezra Young Judge Brown may be suffering from a mental health condition.^{1 2}
• Ezra Young He was disgusted and mortified by the suggestion he had anti-Black animus.¹
• Ezra Young He was concerned about the judge's conduct during the hearing.¹
• Judge Ada Brown Young is intimidated by Black excellence and has white mediocrity and white privilege.^{1 2}