WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: DIVERSE COALITION PRAISES JUDGE JACKSON’S STRONG PERFORMANCE DURING DAY THREE OF CONFIRMATION HEARINGS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2022
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WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: DIVERSE COALITION PRAISES JUDGE JACKSON’S STRONG PERFORMANCE DURING DAY THREE OF CONFIRMATION HEARINGS
Washington, D.C. – On her third full day of hearings, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s deep knowledge of the Constitution, thoughtful approach to jurisprudence, and composure in the face of baseless personal attacks from Republican Senators were on full display, earning her respect and praise from a broad and diverse coalition of groups across the country. These groups weighed in, describing her as a “brilliant, fair-minded jurist” and noting how she has “ shined under pressure.” See below for more from organizations praising Judge Jackson’s strong performance throughout her hearings and calling for her swift confirmation by the United States Senate:
AFSCME President Lee Saunders:
“Representation matters. There have been 115 Supreme Court justices in the nation’s history, and not a single one has been an African American woman. The nation’s highest court must reflect the backgrounds and experiences of all the people whose lives will be affected by its decisions. President Joe Biden’s nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson corrects a historic injustice and makes a bold statement about the power of inclusion.
“Working people have gotten a raw deal from the Supreme Court in recent years. The court has been part of a rigged system that has silenced our voices, rolling back our rights and freedoms while putting a thumb on the scale in favor of the super-wealthy and large corporations. At a moment when we must empower workers, making it easier to organize and stand together in strong unions, it is critical that the next Supreme Court justice interpret the law accordingly.
“Judge Jackson has a deep commitment to public service as the daughter of two public school teachers and the niece of two uncles who served in law enforcement. As a public defender and during her time on the federal bench, Judge Jackson has built an extensive record of protecting the rights and freedoms of all people, including working people.
“This includes issuing a 2018 ruling blocking an attempt by the Trump administration to decimate the collective bargaining rights of federal employees. As a consensus builder, just a few weeks ago, Judge Jackson authored a unanimous D.C. Circuit opinion overruling a new, heightened standard for federal employees that was improperly adopted and severely limited their collective bargaining rights.
“Judge Jackson is a brilliant, fair-minded jurist committed to advancing civil rights and protecting equal justice under the law. Her lived experience and professional background reflect the nation’s diversity and show a deep understanding of the challenges facing everyday working families. She is uniquely qualified to serve on the highest court in the land, and we urge the Senate to move quickly on her nomination.”
Alliance for Justice President Rakim H.D. Brooks:
“This has been a triumphant week for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. She has shined under pressure for three consecutive days. While it has been challenging to watch Republican senators repeatedly disrespect Judge Jackson this week, it gave us an opportunity to observe Judge Jackson’s remarkable judicial temperament. At all times, she has comported herself with grace and dignity. Judge Jackson has more than risen to the occasion; she is clearly ready to be the next great Supreme Court justice.
“Judge Jackson will be confirmed. We will see her take her rightful seat on the Supreme Court. Like her role model, Constance Baker Motley, Judge Jackson’s legacy will be defined by her accomplishments and her impact on generations to come. We are proud to stand behind Judge Jackson and vigorously call for her confirmation. She will be a justice with a firm commitment to the principle of equal justice for all. She will truly be a justice for all of us. We can’t wait to see what’s next from her.”
“The men of Alpha Phi Alpha believe that Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the United States Supreme Court properly reflects the reality that there are scores of African American women who have the requisite knowledge and expertise to sit on the highest court in the land. Judge Jackson’s qualifications to serve as a Justice of the Supreme Court are undeniable. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College, then attended Harvard Law School, where she graduated cum laude and was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. After law school, Judge Jackson served in Justice Breyer’s chambers as a law clerk. Professionally, Judge Jackson has broad experience across the legal profession – as a federal appellate judge, a federal district court judge, a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, an attorney in private practice, and as a federal public defender.”
The Black Women’s Leadership Collective:
“Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee deepened the pride and joy Black women across America have felt since she was nominated. She did us and the ancestors proud. Day after day, hour after hour, Judge Jackson’s character, integrity, deep knowledge, and respect for the Constitution was eminently clear. She cut through the noise and partisan rancor to discuss her record with such grace, transparency, and thoughtfulness that it’s no surprise the Senate previously approved her for a judgeship three times with bipartisan support.
“Judge Brown Jackson faced distortions of her record, attacks, hostility, and downright rudeness from Senate Republicans, who should be ashamed of their actions during these proceedings. The interruptions, barely coded dog whistles and disrespect mirrored the lived experience of Black women in America and serve as a reminder why representation matters and why Judge Jackson’s historic nomination is an inspiration. As our children watched these hearings, they saw yet another moment in Judge Jackson’s inspirational life as she faced baseless attacks with grace, strength, and incredible poise.
“Grounded in core values of faith, family, and service, it’s also no surprise that Judge Jackson has earned a wide range of endorsements, including from the rank and file (FOP) to police chiefs to dozens of former attorneys general and retired federal judges and lawyers of both parties.
“We urge the Senate Judiciary committee and the full senate to vote swiftly — and overwhelmingly — approve Judge Brown Jackson for the Supreme Court.”
Building Back Together Executive Director Danielle Melfi:
“Today, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson once again shone during another marathon session answering questions from senators on the Judiciary Committee. Throughout these hearings, she has consistently demonstrated her deep knowledge of the Constitution and thoughtful approach to jurisprudence. And in response to unsubstantiated attacks and pure political theater, she showcased the temperament and composure befitting of a future Supreme Court Justice.
“While Senate Republicans had promised a respectful process, we instead saw them descend into degrading personal attacks and shameful political grandstanding, repeatedly interrupting Judge Jackson, continuing to peddle vile and thoroughly debunked conspiracy theories, and pursuing lines of questioning unrelated to Judge Jackson’s qualifications for the Court.
“Through it all, Judge Jackson demonstrated remarkable grace and poise, patiently giving substantive answers to more than 500 questions, drawing on her deep experience from all parts of the legal profession, including her time as a federal appellate judge, service on the Bipartisan U.S. Sentencing Commission, work as a public defender, and more. She reiterated her commitment to fairness, impartiality, and upholding her oath to rule from a position of neutrality by evaluating each case based on the facts and the law.
“As we have learned over the past few days, Judge Jackson’s experience, character, and commitment to the rule of law make her eminently qualified to serve on our nation’s highest court. We’ve seen moments of joy shine through as these hearings have given Judge Jackson the opportunity to share her moving personal story and what the historic nature of her nomination has meant to her and Americans across the country. We look forward to the final day of hearings and to her ultimate confirmation as our next Supreme Court Justice.”
“To add to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s impeccable personal, educational & professional credentials, her graceful temperament was on display despite shameful attacks by usual GOP suspects. We were also taken by her humble profession of faith during her opening statement.”
Center for American Progress President and CEO Patrick Gaspard:
“Throughout her confirmation hearing, Judge Jackson has shown remarkable poise, unflappable grace, and an exceptional command of the legal issues that will come before her as a justice on the Supreme Court. She has demonstrated a commitment to fairness, impartiality, and equal justice for all—not just the wealthy and powerful. Judge Jackson has been resilient in the face of scurrilous and misleading questions that sought to impugn her character. Her even-handed temperament despite these shameful antics is a testament to her integrity. Her lifelong dedication to public service and exemplary record as both a trial and an appellate court judge demonstrate that she is highly qualified for this historic nomination. The Senate Judiciary Committee should promptly vote to send her nomination to the full Senate, which should quickly confirm her to be the next Supreme Court justice.”
Corazón Latino Executive Director Felipe Benitez:
“President Biden selected a candidate with ‘exceptional credentials, unimpeachable character, and an unwavering dedication to the rule of law.’ Now, the nation – and the world – have the opportunity to hear directly from Judge Jackson and learn more about her life experiences and accomplishments that have led her to this position. There is no question for Corazon Latino that Judge Jackson is the best choice to assume the position with the High Court as one of the brightest legal minds. We celebrate and support Judge Jackson as she gracefully continues through the nomination process.
“As history unfolds before us, we hope that Americans will be encouraged by the progress that Judge Jackson represents. We do not support the few Senators who spent their time making derisive statements about her in an attempt to politicize the nomination and detract from the moment. We won’t allow them to dampen our joy.
“When she is confirmed, Judge Jackson will be the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court and will become the fourth female justice of the High Court.”
Jewish Democratic Council of America CEO Halie Soifer:
“After three days of hearings, it is abundantly clear that Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is eminently qualified to serve on the Supreme Court. Judge Jackson’s poise and graciousness in the face of egregious and offensive questioning by Republican senators demonstrated the depth and breadth of her experience, as well as her professionalism, conviction and respect for law. At a time when so many of our Jewish and Democratic values are under threat, we are confident that Judge Jackson will represent the best of America and defend our Jewish values as the next Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. We are proud to strongly support her nomination, and even more proud to see her soon make history as the first Black woman on the Court.”
Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Interim President and CEO Wade Henderson:
“Over the last three days, the nation witnessed what we have known — Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson will be a justice for all of us. When she is confirmed to serve as our next associate justice of the Supreme Court, we will be well-served by her brilliance, her thoughtful and thorough approach to the law, and her stellar judicial temperament. Judge Jackson’s passion for public service shone through, and we heard just how consequential and historic this moment is. She is clearly the right person for this job, and this hearing has proven that to our country.
“Her confirmation will be a critical step toward a federal judiciary that reflects our communities and lives up to its promise of equal justice under law. The nation is counting on the Senate to swiftly confirm Judge Jackson.”
MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) President and General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz:
“After a careful review of Judge Jackson’s professional record, as required by MALDEF board policy, MALDEF announces its strong support for her confirmation as the second woman of color, joining Justice Sonia Sotomayor, serving on the United States Supreme Court.
“First, her education and legal experience indicate that she is extremely well-qualified to serve on the nation’s highest Court. No matter what veiled bias may invoke to undermine this fact, Judge Jackson is plainly exceptionally prepared to serve on the Supreme Court.
“MALDEF evaluation criteria also include an assessment of the nominee’s knowledge and understanding of the critical importance of civil rights issues in our nation’s jurisprudence. In this respect, Judge Jackson would clearly bring a well-informed perspective, forged from her unique and substantial personal and professional experience.
“Finally, in light of the growth of the Latino community and the likely length of nominees’ tenure on the Court, MALDEF also assesses every nominee for awareness of and openness to learning more about the specific law-related concerns within the Latino community. Here too, MALDEF is satisfied that Judge Jackson’s record indicates an ability and commitment to understanding the concerns of the Latino community as more and more cases before the Court will emanate from or directly concern Latino community members and issues.
“MALDEF urges the swift and fair consideration of Judge Jackson’s nomination by the Senate, and MALDEF urges that she be confirmed as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.”
“After 23 hours of testimony, Judge Jackson has finally concluded appearance before Judiciary Committee. We already knew she was exceptional candidate. Her masterful performance during hearing, in face of adversity, shows just how truly extraordinary she is. #BlackWomenAreSupreme”
National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) President and CEO and Convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR) Melanie L. Campbell:
“Throughout this historic nomination process, the country witnessed exactly why Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was the best choice for President Biden to nominate to serve on the highest court in the land. Over the course of the past three days, Judge Brown has displayed a mastery of the U.S. legal system, the U. S. Constitution and rule of law. She also displayed extraordinary grace, poise, and the temperament that is required to serve as the next U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
“Further, Judge Jackson maintained her dignity and resolve through some of the most egregious, unjustifiable and historically racist dog-whistle attacks against her record and community service by a few U. S. Senators. It was also a testament to her character, integrity, dedication to the rule of law and commitment to fairness in the justice system.
“As a Black woman, I could not be more proud and thankful to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for her lifetime of service to our nation; and I along with millions of Black women and our allies will continue to have her back as she continues the path to make history by becoming the first Black woman to serve on the U. S. Supreme Court.”
National Action Network (NAN), Women’s Leadership:
“Throughout the week, Judge Brown Jackson has demonstrated that she is unequivocally qualified for the Supreme Court. This hearing is her fourth time before the Senate Judiciary Committee, with three times prior having bi-partisan support, said Jennifer Jones Austin, Vice-Chair, National Action Network. Not only does Judge Brown Jackson have the legal background that makes her more than qualified to perform the duties of a Supreme Court Justice, but she would to the Court a distinct and increasingly indispensable perspective on how the laws of this land affect a vital and all too often neglected segment of our population.”
“We expect the Senate to vote yes to confirm Judge Jackson as the next U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Judge Jackson is a brilliant legal mind with the utmost character and integrity. She will make an exceptional Supreme Court Justice. Creating that diversity on the Court requires deconstructing many barriers that steer Black women and other underrepresented groups away from that path. We will become closer to equality and normalize having a Black woman appointed to the bench selected based on their experience and accomplishments without gender or racial bias. Our democracy is more robust when the judiciary comprises judges whose backgrounds speak to the American experience’s full breadth,” said Ebonie Riley, Senior Vice President of Policy & Strategic Partnerships, National Action Network.
National Black Justice Coalition Executive Director David Johns:
“The nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court is historic – not just because if confirmed she will be the first Black woman to serve on the court but because she is also the first former public defender to be nominated for this role.
“Make no mistake, Judge Jackson’s lived and professional experience make her uniquely qualified for the Supreme Court and her role in bringing equity to sentencing is an important skill set currently missing from the Supreme Court. She comes from a family of police officers, worked as a public defender, and served on the bipartisan U.S. Sentencing Commission as well as a judge on the District Court and D.C. Circuit Court of Appeal. She understands how the law affects everyday people’s lives and had demonstrated an enduring commitment to civil and human rights. Her handling of cases during her time as a public defender showed she won real victories that advanced racial justice and equal treatment under the law.
“We welcome Judge Jackson’s nomination and urge the Senate to swiftly confirm her to the Supreme Court.”
National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) CEO Sheila Katz:
“As members of the Senate Judiciary Committee wrapped up their questioning of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, NCJW is even more steadfast in our support for this stellar nominee. In the face of some outrageous questioning, Judge Jackson’s calm explanations, detailed reasoning, and sound judgment made it clear to the American people that she has the intellect and temperament to serve as an Associate Justice on the US Supreme Court. We look forward to her swift confirmation, a step in our nation’s journey to becoming a multiracial, multi-faith democracy with a high court that represents all of us.”
National Women’s Law Center President and CEO Fatima Goss Graves:
“Over the last three days, people across this country have been introduced to the professionalism and clear-eyed jurisprudence that has made Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson a historically qualified nominee for the Supreme Court. Her commitment to the Constitution and the equality of all before the law has earned her the esteem of her colleagues, the respect of her profession, and brought unbridled joy to all of us watching her navigate this process. Even in the face of vile efforts to falsely besmirch her record and character, she has maintained a composure and professionalism befitting a future Supreme Court Justice. As these hearings close, the Judiciary Committee must swiftly vote to advance her nomination and bring her closer to the awesome responsibility she has so clearly earned.”
People for the American Way President Ben Jealous:
“As she has done throughout this hearing, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson showed again today why she is an outstanding choice for the Supreme Court. Judge Jackson is a nominee with a wealth of experience who brings deep thoughtfulness and discernment to every case, and grace and dignity to everything she does. This was clear even as some senators continued to create distractions and misrepresent her record, an effort that clearly failed. We look forward to Judge Jackson’s confirmation and to the addition of her great intellect, integrity, and experience to the Court.”
Power 4 Puerto Rico Coalition:
“The Puerto Rican community knows first-hand what it’s like to have a brilliant, highly experienced member of one’s community with stellar credentials put through the grinder, to have her intelligence and competence questioned or positions distorted because some people do not believe that women of color are worthy of sitting on the Supreme Court. On the day in which Puerto Rico commemorates its abolition of slavery, we call on the Senate to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the next Justice on the Supreme Court, to usher in her excellence and depth of legal expertise, and ensure that a Court where 108 white men have served reflects the diversity of this nation.”
#SheWillRise:
“This week, the world witnessed the confirmation hearings of America’s latest Supreme Court justice nominee, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. These hearings, facilitated by the Senate Judiciary Committee, are intended to provide both supporting and opposing views while allowing the nominee to respond to questions regarding their qualifications, judgment and philosophy.
“The Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson represents a unique and important first for this country, after nearly 233 years, as our first Black American woman nominated and hopefully confirmed to this distinguished body. As a collective of organizations representing Black women across America, we could not be silent to the attacks over the course of these proceedings.
“Despite her impeccable qualifications and endorsements from diverse constituents lending their support, we watched in horror. A horror that was all too familiar to the lived experience of many Black women in America. A horror that exploits the best intention, effort and credentials set forth-– despite all odds—to trivialize, demoralize and dehumanize our contributions to our great democracy. A horror that incessantly baited her to manifest the characterization of an “angry Black woman,” unsuccessfully.
“The American people see through these desperate attacks. They are unworthy of the governing body and the bench the Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson seeks. What a missed opportunity to affirm a qualified American who has given so much to our great nation. How telling are the deceiving and demeaning tactics being deployed by those with limited knowledge on the law and her full judicial record, and an insatiable appetite to explore issues meant to incense the American people.
“We ask that decorum and respect are reinstated in this process. Furthermore, we respectfully believe that apologies are appropriate to the nominee and her family for the performative and disrespectful display this week. America is better than this and we will not forget how Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, in the face of disgraceful behavior, stood with grace and fortitude — a true testament to her commitment to her willingness to serve our great nation, as many of her family members have. The Judiciary Committee must vote and the Senate must confirm Judge Jackson without delay.”
UltraViolet Director of Reproductive Rights Campaigns Director Sonja Spoo:
“Over the past three days, through her poise, grace, intelligence and endurance, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has demonstrated exactly why she was nominated by President Biden to replace Justice Breyer on the Supreme Court.
“Judge Jackson is a seasoned legal expert with an exemplary record and deep experience as a judge and attorney in both the private and public sectors. Her work as a public defender and the vice chair of the US Sentencing Commission speak to her qualifications and unique perspective that will make the Supreme Court of the United States a stronger, more trusted institution. She is exactly who we need on the court to protect our rights.
“And while it was clear that Judge Jackson was more than qualified to be on the Supreme Court prior to her nomination, her poise, grace and endurance in the face of baseless and often sexist and racist questions and attacks from Republicans in the Senate, further demonstrates the quality of character she possesses. Republicans and their allies in the right-wing media disgraced themselves with their cruel and baseless attacks aimed at whipping up dangerous elements of their base. Judge Jackson, nor anyone, should have to endure such attacks. We as a nation deserve better from our elected leaders.
“The American people see Judge Jackson for who she is: a woman of integrity, experience, and deep knowledge and respect for the Constitution and rule of law. And they demand her swift confirmation to the Supreme Court.”
“The Supreme Court has been called upon to rule on cases of immigrant rights, and Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has a record of acknowledging immigrants with our whole humanity. Including blocking Trump’s ability to expand expedited removals. The Senate must vote to confirm her.”
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