We Wish A Happy Retirement to Judge Clarease Rankin Yates, Trailblazer and Graduate of the Protocol School of Washington!

Recognized by the Houston Style Magazine in a recent article, Judge Clarease Rankin Yates is retiring after 34 years as a judge appointed to the U.S. Immigration Court. As the first African-American woman to serve on the US Immigration court, Judge Yates has been a longstanding beacon for her community.

“Her career, spanning decades, has been marked by groundbreaking legal work, community leadership, and an unwavering commitment to justice”

A graduate of The Protocol School of Washington with certifications in business etiquette and international protocol, Judge Yates is an exemplary representation of what we hope for our students.

Her groundbreaking career and numerous awards are just the start of her contributions to her community. Judge Yates is the founder and director of nonprofits dedicated to benefiting the Texas Children's Hospital Sickle Cell Center & Sickle Cell Patients. She has also been a member of the board for the Houston Holocaust Museum, the Houston Symphony, and the Houston Chapter of the NAACP.

Judge Clarease Rankin Yates’ retirement marks the end of an era, but her contributions to both the legal and etiquette fields will continue to shape future generations. Her passion for justice and community service embodies the values we hold at The Protocol School of Washington. We wish her all the best in this new chapter.