(ATLANTA, GA, 2/2/26) – The Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Georgia), the local chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group (CAIR), today welcomed the news of Judge Stacey Hydrick’s retirement from the Superior Court of Dekalb County. Judge Hydrick’s retirement announcement comes at a time when Georgia’s highest judicial watchdog, the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC), is investigating Judge Hydrick for public anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim remarks she posted last year.
Judge Hydrick deleted her public remarks after formal complaints were filed with the JQC. The complaints expressed concerns that her remarks undermine public confidence and trust in the impartiality of Georgia’s judicial system and violate Georgia’s Judicial code of conduct. Following public pressure, Judge Hydrick stepped down as investigative chair in February 2025.
SEE: DeKalb judge steps down from judicial commission amid backlash over comments | FOX 5 Atlanta
In the past, the JQC has previously set a precedent by investigating and removing judges who have made racist remarks and undermined judicial impartiality and public trust.
CAIR-Georgia Executive Director Azka Mahmood stated, “We are relieved that Judge Hydrick will no longer preside over courtrooms in DeKalb County. We hope that Judge Hydrick’s successor will uphold the fundamental principle that every person deserves equal justice under the law, free from personal bias and prejudice. This is integral to protecting the public’s trust in the integrity and impartiality of Georgia’s judicial system. CAIR-Georgia looks forward to the conclusion of the JQC’s investigation in to Judge Hydrick’s conduct.”
CAIR-Georgia’s mission is to protect civil rights, promote justice, empower American Muslims, and enhance the understanding of Islam.
END
CONTACT: Azka Mahmood, CAIR-Georgia Executive Director, [email protected], Nazia Khanzada, Communications Manager CAIR-Georgia, [email protected]