Xóchitl Almendra: New Justice Admin Official & Past Autism Remarks Controversy

Mexico City – Following the resignation of Lorena Josefina Pérez from the Organ of Judicial Administration (OAJ) one month ago, the Plenary of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) has appointed Xóchitl Almendra Hernández Torres to fill the vacancy. The appointment was made during a private session.

New Leadership at the OAJ

According to a statement from the high court, Hernández Torres brings 21 years of experience within the Federation’s Judicial Power (PJF) and the Administrative Justice Tribunal (TJA) of Mexico City. Her background includes expertise in administrative matters and judicial management, qualities the court highlighted as valuable for providing technical knowledge and institutional continuity to the newly formed body.

Connections and Controversy

Hernández Torres has a close relationship with Minister Irving Espinosa Betanzo, who also previously served as a magistrate at the Mexico City TJA. She has publicly referred to him on social media as an “esteemed friend and comrade in struggle.”

Did You Know? The Organ of Judicial Administration (OAJ) is comprised of five individuals: three appointed by the Supreme Court, one by the Federal Executive, and one by the Senate.

The OAJ consists of five members: three designated by the Supreme Court, one by the Federal Executive, and another by the Senate. Lorena Pérez Romo resigned from the high court just four months after assuming her position within the recently established OAJ. Her resignation, submitted to Minister President Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, was accepted by the Court’s Plenary in a private session.

The reasons for Pérez Romo’s departure have not been publicly disclosed. Both the Minister President and the head of the OAJ have attributed the resignation to “personal reasons.”

Past Controversies

In 2022, Hernández Torres faced criticism after being accused of making discriminatory remarks against autistic individuals during a public hearing of the Superior Hall of the Administrative Justice Tribunal of Mexico City. She reportedly stated, “Yes, I understand, I don’t have autism” in response to Magistrate Estela Fuentes, who had corrected her on the topic at hand.

Her comments immediately sparked outrage among colleagues, including Magistrate Andrés Ángel Aguilera, who urged her not to use the expression again due to its pejorative nature. Hernández Torres then stated, “the magistrate is treating me as if I have some kind of mental retardation.”

Expert Insight: The appointment of a new member to the OAJ, particularly one with a recent history of public controversy, underscores the challenges of establishing a new administrative body and the scrutiny faced by those in positions of judicial authority.

The organization Iluminemos por el Autismo condemned Hernández Torres’s statements, expressing concern over the use of disparaging terms that have historically led to the exclusion of millions. They emphasized that her position carries a heightened responsibility to express herself with respect and understanding.

Reports from that time indicate that Hernández Torres issued an apology for her remarks on social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the Organ of Judicial Administration?

The OAJ is comprised of five people: three designated by the Supreme Court, one by the Federal Executive, and one by the Senate.

What was the reason given for the previous magistrate’s resignation?

The Minister President and the head of the OAJ have attributed Lorena Pérez Romo’s resignation to “personal reasons.”

What controversy has the newly appointed magistrate been involved in?

In 2022, Xóchitl Almendra Hernández was accused of making discriminatory remarks against autistic individuals during a public hearing.

How might this appointment impact the direction and priorities of the newly formed Organ of Judicial Administration?