STATEMENT

Statement on Nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court

October 21, 2020

  • Democracy and Voting Rights

Almost immediately after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, President Trump nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett as the newest Justice to the Supreme Court. Following Senate Judiciary Committee hearings last week, the Senate is expected to confirm the appointment of Judge Barrett on Monday, less than two weeks before the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Allowing partisanship to steer our courts is dangerous to the future of our democracy. Unfortunately, for this confirmation process, partisanship has taken center stage.

We are concerned about whether Judge Barrett’s jurisprudence will thwart vital civil rights progress, particularly for the rights of marginalized communities. Although Judge Barrett has stated that her personal beliefs would not influence her impartiality as a Justice, her embrace of originalist interpretation of the law implies otherwise. If confirmed, we sincerely hope that Judge Barrett sees her role as an opportunity to advance the American values of “liberty and justice for all,” ensuring that all people are treated with dignity and respect.