Petition: Protect Wendy William’s First Amendment Rights, Demand Transparency, and Seek Accountability for Judicial Conduct

To: The Honorable Judge Lisa Sokoloff, the New York State Supreme Court, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, and all relevant authorities. 

Whereas:

• Wendy William’s, a prominent public figure, is currently under a legal guardianship. 
• Reports indicate that threats of stricter legal action have been made in response to Ms. William’s public statements, raising serious concerns about the infringement of her First Amendment rights.
• We believe that actions taken, and threatened, by Judge Lisa Sokoloff, indicate a potential overreach of judicial authority and a disregard for Ms. William’s constitutional rights. 
• The First Amendment of The United States Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech. 
• Article 81 of the New York Mental Hygiene Law emphasizes, “the least restrictive form of intervention,” in guardianship cases. 
• Due Process requires fair and legal proceedings, including notice and an opportunity to be heard. 
• The public has a right to transparency in legal proceedings, especially those involving public figures. 

We, the undersigned, express our profound concern regarding the potential infringement of Wendy William’s constitutional rights, the lack of transparency in her guardianship, and the conduct of Judge Lisa Sokoloff. 

We believe that: 

• The threats of legal repercussions for public statements create a chilling effect and undermine the right to free expression, potentially violating the First Amendment.
• Guardianship should prioritize protection, not the suppression of an individual’s voice. 
• Any restrictions on speech should be imposed through transparent legal proceedings, not through “veiled threats.”
• The public has a right to be informed about the handling of guardianships, especially those involving public figures #openthedocket . 
• That the courts should provide the means for Ms. William’s to communicate, rather than punish her for doing so. 
• Judge Lisa Sokoloff’s actions warrant a thorough review of her conduct. 

Therefore, we demand: 

1. The immediate cessation of any actions that restrict Ms. William’s right to freedom of speech. 
2. A transparent and public explanation of the legal basis for any limitations placed on her communication. 
3. The exploration of less restrictive alternatives, such as supported decision making, to ensure her autonomy. 
4. That all legal proceedings regarding Ms. William’s guardianship adhere to strict due process standards. 
5. That the courts release as much information to the public as is legally permissible, while respecting privacy laws.
6. That the courts provide the means for Ms. William’s to communicate with the public. 
7. A formal investigation into the conduct of Judge Lisa Sokoloff, and if warranted, her removal from this case through formal complaints to the appropriate judicial review board, and any other legal means available. 

We urge the New York State Supreme Court and the New York Commission on Judicial Conduct to take immediate action to address these concerns and uphold Wendy William’s constitutional rights. We stand in solidarity with Ms. William’s and all individuals fighting to protect their fundamental freedoms.