Our congratulations to our friend Dolly Gee, who just became the first Chinese American woman to serve as a federal judge.
Just a few hours ago, the U.S. Senate confirmed her nomination to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. More details from Don Nakanishi of UCLA’s Asian American Studies Center:
Prominent Los Angeles attorney and UCLA alumnae Dolly M. Gee was confirmed today by the United States Senate as a U.S. District Court Judge for the Central District of California, the first Chinese American woman in United States history to serve as a federal district court judge. President Obama nominated Ms. Gee in August, 2009 after U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) recommended her nomination following a thorough interview and vetting process by her judicial advisory committee for the Central District.
Judge Gee, a long-time supporter and contributor to the UCLA Asian American Studies Center since her undergraduate years, graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. from UCLA in 1981, and a J.D. from UCLA School of Law in 1984.
In praising Judge Gee, Senator Boxer said, ”Dolly Gee has an exemplary record and she will be an outstanding addition to the federal bench. As a daughter of immigrants from rural China, she personifies the American dream. She used her position as a prominent attorney in Los Angeles to promote racial tolerance and fight for justice for those who face discrimination. I know I speak for many Californians, especially those in the Chinese and Asian American communities, in expressing my pride in Dolly Gee’s historic confirmation as a U.S. District Court Judge for the Central District.”
The UCLA Asian American Studies Center congratulates Judge Gee on her historic appointment, and thanks her for her active participation in the programs and issues of the Center over many years.
In 1999, President Clinton nominated Judge Gee to the federal bench, but he did not make it a priority to get her confirmed. Ten years later, President Obama finished the job.
Justice has prevailed.
– Gautam Dutta
