Today, President Barack Obama nominated the nation’s first Black lesbian judge to the United States District Court.
Staci Michelle Yandle, if confirmed, will be the first and only gay judge in the seventh circuit which includes Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. Yandle has been practicing law privately in southern Illinois since 2007. She reportedly focuses on civil litigation in both the federal and state courts.
“I am pleased to nominate these distinguished individuals to serve on the United States District Court bench,” said President Obama. “I am confident they will serve the American people with integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice.”
President Obama also announced the nominations of three other judges: Steven Bough, Franklin Boulware II and Salvador Mendoza, Jr. The latter will be the first Hispanic judge appointed by the president.
As sources point out, diversity is important to the president and all of his picks are expected to be confirmed without trouble.
