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For
example:
Affirmative
Action/Diversity - When asked about the Grutter
decision, Judge Alito failed to affirm that he believes
diversity is a compelling governmental interest. In
addition, Judge Alito never mentioned during his testimony
the importance of race-conscious measures in attempting
to address this nation's shameful history of racial
discrimination.
Employment
Discrimination - During his 15 years on the bench
and participation in thousands of cases, Judge Alito
has never written an employment discrimination opinion
in favor of an African American on the merits of their
race claim. Judge Alito attempted to downplay this point
by referencing five cases where he was supposedly supportive
of race-based claims. However, our research revealed
that these five cases do not support the argument made
by Judge Alito and his supporters.
Concerned
Alumni of Princeton - During the hearing, Judge
Alito disassociated himself from the controversial alumni
group that was against the admission of women and minorities
to the university. Senators continue to perceive a credibility
gap in response to Judge Alito's claim to not remember
joining the group and his subsequent explanation that
he joined in protest to Princeton's ROTC policy.
The Board Members of the Lawyers' Committee fear that
if Judge Alito is confirmed, his addition to the Supreme
Court will come to be regarded as a turning point, diminishing
our nation's dedication to overcoming its tragic legacy
of racial injustice.
They urge Senators who value the protection of civil
rights, and effective measures for the full participation
of people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, to vote
against cloture and to vote in opposition to the nomination
of Judge Alito.
The full text of the Lawyers' Committee's Testimony
and Statement of Concern can be found at www.lawyerscommittee.org
The Lawyers' Committee is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil
rights legal organization, formed in 1963 at the request
of President John F. Kennedy to provide legal services
to address racial discrimination.
PRESS CONTACT:
Kim Alton
Lawyers' Committee
(202) 662-8317
kalton@lawyerscommittee.org
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