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NO JUSTICE FOR JUSTICE
Judge Hatchett Assault Reflects A Dangerous Culture — Normalizing Violence Against Women
I was unsure about how to approach this topic, how to maintain civility, and how to express my thoughts without it becoming too personal. After contemplating for a while and further reading, I came to the realization — it is indeed a personal matter.
As an African American woman who have worked with various professions, I possess knowledge and have witnessed disturbing behavior firsthand, and I can tell you that Judge Glenda Hatchett is not alone.
Perhaps you recognize Judge Glenda Hatchett from her award-winning televised Court Show or her representation of the family of Philando Castile, or read one of her books such as — Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say!: Saving Your Child from a Troubled World. Maybe, you have followed her illustrious career and remarkable contributions to society. Regardless, I hope this is not your first introduction to the honorable Judge.
It is an alarming reality to face the fact that even with legal and media attention, a justice figure such as Judge Glenda Hatchett can be subjected to assault and not receive due justice. This incident has highlighted the ongoing issue of disrespect in society, which seems to have reached a tipping point, where it is quickly becoming normalized. It does not matter who you are or how much you have achieved in life, the threat of being treated with such indignity is ever-present and real.
On the Other Side of Justice
On Monday, August 21, 2023, Sheriff Kris Coody of Bleckley County, GA, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of sexual battery in Cobb County State Court. According to USA Today reporting, he was sentenced to one year of probation and subsequently resigned from the office he had held since 2017.
It is truly reprehensible that an individual could sexually assault a Judge, or any woman for that matter, while in the presence of their peers, and still retain their job with benefits for over a year, as well as continuing to enjoy their freedom. The punishment handed down, a mere one year of probation, a $500 fine, and 400 hours of community service, is not only disgraceful but also inadequate and unjust. In a recent development, Coody, the perpetrator, submitted his…
