Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

MINORITY AND JUSTICE COMMISSION APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR

Olympia, Washington.    Monto Shan Morton of Tumwater, Washington has been appointed Executive Director of the Washington State Minority and Justice Commission, according to Washington Supreme Court Associate Chief Justice Charles W. Johnson, co-chairperson of the Commission.

“We selected Mr. Morton because of his demonstrated abilities, educational background, experience with the Commission and his commitment to equal justice for all persons," according to Justice Johnson.   Mr. Morton, who holds a Bachelor's degree and Master of Public Administration degree from The Evergreen State College, has served as Program Assistant for the Commission since 2002.   He previously served with non-profit agencies promoting human rights.  He has worked with and earned high praise from the judges, lawyers, professors, administrators and lay persons who serve on the Minority and Justice Commission.

The Minority and Justice Commission was created as a task force by the Washington State Supreme Court in 1987, then became a Commission by Supreme Court order in 1990. The Commission was renewed by court order in 1995, 2000 and 2005. Its mission is to educate and assist Washington State judges and administrators in eliminating racial, ethnic, cultural and religious bias in our state courts where it exists and in preventing it where it does not exist.

The Commission is governed by 21 persons appointed for four-year terms by the Supreme Court and 30 persons appointed for one-year terms by the Commission.  As Executive Director, Mr. Morton will be responsible for coordinating activities of the Commission in meetings, sub-committees, publications, empirical research, professional cultural development programs, newsletters, annual reports and website development.  He reports directly to Justice Johnson and retired Justice Charles Z. Smith, co-chairpersons of the Commission.

The website for the Commission is located at www.courts.wa.gov under “Boards and Commissions.”  Its telephone number is (360) 357-2109 and its address is Temple of Justice, Post Office Box 41174, Olympia, Washington 98504-1174.

Wendy K. Ferrell Judicial Communications Manager 360.705.5331 e-mail Wendy.Ferrell@courts.wa.gov

Lorrie Thompson Communications Officer 360.705.5347 Lorrie.Thompson@courts.wa.gov