Karene Moore, Running for Michigan 15th District Court Judge
2024 Election Pride Source Candidate Survey Response
The 2024 Pride Source Media Voters Guide Candidate Survey sought the responses from Michigan candidates running for office in the Nov. 5 election. We asked candidates to respond to key issues impacting the Michigan LGBTQ+ community and about their visions for the future. Visit vote411.org to learn more about the candidates and issues on your ballot.
Candidate: Kerene Moore
Running for Michigan 15th District Court Judge
Incumbent? This is a non-incumbent seat. I was previously elected and served a 4 year term on the Ann Arbor District Library Board of Trustees.
Campaign Contact Info
(734) 223-8419
[email protected]
Facebook: moorejustice2024
Twitter/X: kerenemoore
Candidate background
Education:
University of Michigan BA; University of Michigan Law School, JD
Professional experience:
Since 2021, I've worked for Washtenaw County and had the opportunity to serve in three capacities: first, behind the bench as judicial attorney and juvenile referee, and currently as the Director of Conviction Integrity and Expungement at the Prosecutor's Office. I previously fought discrimination at the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, and represented over 1,000 individuals who could not afford an attorney as an attorney for the Michigan Advocacy Program.
What is your affiliation with the LGBTQ+ community?
I identify as LGBTQ+, as do multiple members of my family.
Tell us about your top priorities and how you plan to achieve those goals.
As Judge, I will fortify our treatment courts, prioritize victim services, and continue justice reforms. While the 15th District Court has 3 treatment courts, they currently run on a shoestring budget. I will pursue funding and establish partnerships with community organizations to ensure that services are sustainable. To help address Michigan ranking dead last in provision of crime victim services, I will establish local court rules that facilitate victim access to compensation and recovery support. I will also work hard to connect with treatment court participants to help each participant find a path forward. I will not only use my landlord-tenant experience to increase eviction diversion and pro se support, I will also design a housing treatment court that provides judicial oversight over termination of tenancy cases involving low-income households. I will also work hard to promote alternatives to incarceration and absolutely minimize cash bail or other punitive measures that contribute to collateral consequences.
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
I have committed my entire career to social justice advocacy. My experience representing underresourced community members is unmatched. This work, combined with my experience behind the bench and on the ground in the community, add much-needed perspective to our bench. District Court is where people come in repeatedly for minor offenses, but often need support addressing underlying issues. We need judges who are committed to early intervention, and have the ability to connect with treatment court participants to help them see a path forward. Because of my experience working with vulnerable community members, I understand the barriers, and am committed to making sure the justice system works for everyone, not just those who can afford an attorney. I will not just work hard in the courtroom to ensure that justice is served for people from all walks of life, I will also be active in informing and setting policies that increase access to justice in our courts. IAs Justice McCormack noted, judges must be advocates for justice reform. Judge should not accept injustice. We must acknowledge systemic harms and constantly work to improve and build integrity in our justice system.
How do you plan to represent and advocate for the needs of LGBTQ+ community members?
As an attorney, I've not only represented lgbtq+ clients in a number of cases of first impression, I founded an lgbtq+ pro bono advocacy project with University of Michigan Law School students ten years ago, and continue this work today. As a longstanding member of council and the incoming chair of the State Bar of Michigan LGBTQ+ Law Section, I've also helped advocate for important court reforms and legislative changes that expand protections for lgbtq+ families. When determining reforms, input from judicial officers is often sought. I can advocate for inclusive policies and court rules from the bench, which has often opposed such policies. I can also be active in implementing new laws in decisions made from the bench, and make sure that court personnel meaningfully implement relevant policies to ensure that the courthouse is more welcoming.
State your position on transgender rights and how your office would work to protect this vulnerable population — particularly Black trans women, who are overrepresented in stats related to violence, the judicial system, homelessness, substance abuse and other serious issues.
I cannot state how I would decide any particular case before me and must enforce the law, however, I will ensure that all community members have equal access to justice in the courtroom. I will also require respect for pronouns, as now mandated by Michigan Court Rules, and work to ensure that victims are connected with programs that offer culturally competent services. I believe that people from all walks of life should have fair and equal access to justice in our courts.
Homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth and young adults is a persistent issue in Michigan. How would your office make a positive impact for young LGBTQ+ people facing housing insecurity?
While the 15th District Court does not handle juvenile cases, it does handle minor criminal offenses, which often relate to housing insecurity and involve young people who lack appropriate support systems. The 15th District Court currently has three treatment courts, sobriety, mental health, and Veterans. I hope to bring back the domestic violence specialty court and add a housing treatment court, in which the goal would be to address populations who are struggling within the current housing affordability crisis. Treatment courts partner with government and community organizations to offer support services. For example, I am currently a board member of Neutral Zone, which was established to support teens who struggle with conventional paths. NZ recently expanded services to include individuals over the age of 18 because of the employment, housing, and social barriers that present to young people today. NZ also fosters a vibrant lgbq+ community. As Judge, I hope to partner with community organizations like this to meaningfully address issues that young people are facing--we need to make sure we are addressing root causes, utilizing culturally competent programming that help individuals structure a stable and enduring path forward.
State your position on abortion and other issues related to women’s reproductive health.
I personally support reproductive choice and have the endorsements of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, MI-List, Fems for Dems, and Vote Pro-Choice.
How do you feel about drag queens?
I feel that drag queens are dear and beloved members of the community.
On Marriage Equality: After the overturning of Roe v Wade, many question if the U.S. Supreme Court will revisit their 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Would you support any legislation that undermines the rights of same-sex couples to marry? (Yes or No — feel free to elaborate)
No. While judges and judicial candidates are limited in their ability to advocate for legislation, I do not personally support any legislation that undermines the rights of same-sex couples to marry. Throughout my career, I have fought for fair and equal access to courts for myself and other lgbtq+ community members. The governor just passed the Michigan Family Protection Act, which eases mechanisms for nontraditional families to obtain legal protections. We also fought for 40 years to amend Elliott-Larsen to formally include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. We cannot go backwards. Our state and federal constitutions guarantee equal protection under the law and all community members, including lgbtq+ members and families, are entitled to this protection.
On K-12 School Curriculum: States such as Florida have passed legislation preventing teachers, counselors and coaches from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity with their students, dubbed "Don't Say Gay" bills. Other states have passed legislation requiring LGBTQ+ inclusion in K-12 curricula, often determined by the local school district to determine how to effectively integrate learning materials throughout.
Michigan currently has neither a ban nor a requirement. Would you support legislation requiring Michigan schools to teach about LGBTQ+ people and identities in history and social sciences? (Yes or No — feel free to elaborate)
Judicial candidates and judges are limited in their ability to advocate for legislation. In a personal capacity, I support legislation that allows for accurate and inclusive teaching of history, including people and identities. As a child, I was not aware that many historical figures identified as lgbtq+. That knowledge is significant, and I believe that education should be inclusive and expose students to people from all walks of life.
How would your office help people struggling financially?
Treatment court services generally connect community members with programs that support financial stability. Helping individuals address barriers to accessing those programs can often be a major step toward stabilization. Additionally, judges should work to break down barriers, financial or otherwise, which keep litigants from accessing justice and I am committed to this methodology.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I have a strong base of progressive supporters, including endorsements of over 100 judges, elected officials, community leaders, and attorneys. The full list is available at morejustice.com/supporters
Visit vote411.org and michiganvoting.org to learn about the candidates and issues on your ballot and to make a voting plan.
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