Holding Power Accountable: Demand Equal Protection Under the Law
Human history shows us one undeniable truth: those in power will abuse it unless something stops them. Whether through public pressure, legal action, or political consequences, it is up to us to remind our judges and elected officials that we do not tolerate biased treatment of any person. We expect the law to be applied equally to all, without favoritism or prejudice.
Recent incidents in Monterey County reveal alarming patterns of bias within our local courts, particularly against Muslim and Palestinian residents. Judicial orders restricting religious expression, wrongful imprisonment based on false accusations, failures to prosecute hate crimes, and overt political bias from county officials all point to a serious problem.
To address these issues, we are providing this template/example for submitting Notices of Concern to the Monterey County Superior Court Joint Committee on the Elimination of Bias.
Notice of Concern
To: Monterey County Superior Court Joint Committee on the Elimination of Bias
From: [Your Name, Organization, or Group]
Date: [Insert Date]
Subject: Request for Investigation and Action Regarding Systemic Bias in Monterey County Courts
Dear Committee Members,
I am writing to formally express concerns regarding ongoing patterns of bias and unequal protection under the law within Monterey County’s judicial system. The Committee’s mission is to ensure that the courts remain free from bias and the appearance of bias. However, multiple incidents demonstrate systemic discrimination, particularly against members of the Muslim and Palestinian communities, which demand urgent investigation and corrective action.
The following cases illustrate serious failures of impartiality and fairness in our courts:
Judicial Suppression of Religious Expression & Dismissal of Community Testimony
In July 2022, Judge Tim Roberts ordered a father to stop praying in front of his child and barred him from teaching the child about Islam—an unconstitutional infringement on religious freedom.
When this order was later challenged, Judge Heidi Whelden dismissed statements from respected Imams, community leaders, and members of the Islamic community as irrelevant, effectively silencing those with deep religious and cultural knowledge. This disregard for the voices of Muslim community leaders reflects a troubling double standard in how religious beliefs are valued and understood in Monterey County courts.
Unjust Incarceration and Family Separation of a Palestinian Father
In the summer of 2023, a Palestinian father was falsely accused by his wife, an Israeli citizen. Despite no evidence, he was subjected to:
A restraining order based solely on his wife’s word, cutting him off from his children for over a year.
Five months in jail, where he was attacked and injured.
All charges eventually dismissed, yet his parental rights remain restricted, exposing an ongoing failure of due process.
Failure to Prosecute a Hate Crime Against a Palestinian Teen
In October 2023, Max Steiner, a white military veteran, publicly battered a Palestinian teenage girl wearing a hijab. Despite video evidence and his own admission, authorities delayed his arrest.
Though clearly motivated by religion and nationality, the District Attorney refused to charge him with a hate crime. Steiner was eventually convicted, but remains free pending appeal—highlighting unequal enforcement of the law when the victim is Muslim.
Expression of Political Bias by County Officials
In October 2023, County Supervisor Luis Alejo attempted to pass a resolution declaring Monterey County’s full support for the state of Israel’s actions in Gaza. While the resolution was ultimately rejected, the attempt itself, particularly in the context of the above incidents, raised significant concerns about bias within local governance.
These incidents, taken together, establish a clear pattern of systemic discrimination that undermines trust in Monterey County’s legal institutions. The Committee’s stated role includes "identifying circumstances and proposing actions to achieve a fair and impartial court environment." We therefore urge the Committee to:
Conduct an independent review of these cases to assess whether bias influenced legal outcomes.
Recommend policy changes to prevent religious and ethnic discrimination in court proceedings.
Hold public hearings to allow affected community members to share their experiences.
Provide training for judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement on preventing discrimination against minority communities.
We respectfully request a written response detailing the steps the Committee will take to address these issues.
Sincerely,
[Your Name, Organization, or Group Representative(s)]
[Your Contact Information]
Submit Your Notice of Concern
Notices of Concern may be sent to the Presiding Judge
or the Court Executive Officer at:
Monterey County Superior Court
240 Church St, Salinas, CA 93901
For assistance drafting or submitting Notices of Concern, contact David at:
Email: davidnorman.acs@gmail.com
It is up to us to hold our courts accountable. If we do not demand justice, discrimination will continue unchecked. Make your voice heard today.