On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, KJZZ reported that Save Our Schools AZ, a public education advocacy organization, filed a formal complaint with the Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct against Arizona Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick. The complaint stems from comments made by Bolick during his campaign for retention this year.

Bolick, who was appointed to the Supreme Court by former Republican Governor Doug Ducey, is currently one of two justices facing a retention election. The complaint alleges that Bolick violated the Arizona Judicial Code of Conduct by making remarks to a Republican group while standing next to a cardboard cutout of former President Donald Trump. According to Save Our Schools AZ, Bolick’s comments included a pledge to uphold “conservative principles,” which they argue compromises his impartiality as a judge.

Beth Lewis, the Executive Director of Save Our Schools AZ, emphasized the importance of judicial impartiality, stating, “It’s not impartial and judges really do need to act with impartiality at all times.” The Judicial Code of Conduct specifies that judges must avoid participating in activities that could reasonably be perceived as undermining their impartiality.

In response to the complaint, Bolick asserted that he strictly adheres to judicial ethics and pointed out that he does not endorse candidates. In an email statement, he addressed the complaint, saying, “A political organization that is opposed to my retention as an Arizona Supreme Court justice has reportedly filed a judicial ethics complaint against me. My response: Bring it on.” He further clarified his political affiliation as a registered independent and noted that he had previously been censured by the Maricopa County Republican Party.

Bolick characterized the complaint as an act of revenge by Save Our Schools AZ and described it as an “abuse of process.” He acknowledged the limitations on judges’ free speech but insisted on the right to defend himself against what he perceives as a politically motivated effort to replace judges.

Save Our Schools AZ has accused former Governor Ducey of politicizing the Arizona Supreme Court by appointing Bolick in 2016. The organization points to Bolick’s history of speaking at conservative events, including gatherings hosted by the Federalist Society, and his previous role with the Goldwater Institute as evidence of his political leanings.

Lewis argued that Bolick’s decisions as a justice have had a direct impact on public education funding in Arizona, stating, “His ideologically-based decisions have directly impacted our ability to fund our schools for many years.” Bolick co-founded the Institute for Justice and served as the first president of the Alliance for School Choice, which advocates for private school vouchers—an initiative opposed by Save Our Schools AZ.

Additionally, Bolick is known for co-authoring a book on school choice titled “Unshackled: Freeing America’s K-12 Education System.” His record includes participation in a Supreme Court ruling against Proposition 208, a voter-approved measure from 2020 aimed at increasing taxes on wealthy Arizonans to support public schools. The court ultimately deemed the initiative unconstitutional.

As the retention election approaches, Save Our Schools AZ is actively campaigning against Bolick and another justice, Kathryn King, urging voters to consider not retaining them.

 

 

Source: KJZZ