Ken Burke, Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, has been once again reappointed to the Florida Supreme Court Standing Committee on Fairness and Diversity. Since his initial appointment to the Standing Committee in 2012, Clerk Burke has been reappointed every two years when the term expires. Clerk Burke is set to rejoin a distinguished group of individuals, encompassing a diverse range of legal and judicial leaders, which have been appointed or reappointed to serve on the Standing Committee for a term expiring on June 30, 2022. The committee was created to help advance the State Court’s efforts to eliminate biases from court operations based on race, gender, ethnicity, age, disability, financial status, or any characteristic that is without legal relevance. Given the many changes that have arisen due to COVID-19, the committee’s purpose is more relevant and impactful than ever.
During the new two year term, the committee is set to focus on several goals including providing oversight so that the administration of justice and execution of judicial duties are done without bias or prejudice, enhancing the understanding of the purposes, roles, and responsibilities of the judicial branch through education and outreach, and promoting public trust and confidence by maintaining high standards of professionalism and ethical behavior. “It is an honor to receive a reappointment to such an active committee and I know the Standing Committee will continue to work hard to ensure citizens receive the fairness and diversity they deserve from their judicial system,” stated Clerk Burke. “Many strides have been taken thanks to the efforts of this committee in the past and the next two years will continue to build on that momentum.”