Newspaper Article

Comments by Senators On Thomas Nomination

1991

Overview

Mr. President, in light of the events of the last three days, I urge the Senate to defer its vote on Judge Thomas's confirmation. We have a constitutional duty to the nation, to the Supreme Court and to the Senate to review Professor Hill's very serious allegations [ of sexual harassment by Anita F. Hill against Judge Thomas ] before casting our votes. No person who fails to respect fundamental individual rights should be confirmed to a lifetime seat on the nation's highest court. If Professor Hill's allegations are true, Judge Thomas denied Professor Hill her right to work free from sexual harassment. This right is protected by law, and it must be protected if women are ever to achieve the equal opportunity they deserve in the workplace. So I think it's a cruel thing we're witnessing. It's a harsh thing, a very sad and harsh thing, and Anita Hill will be sucked right into the . . . very thing she wanted to avoid most. She will be injured and destroyed and belittled and hounded and harassed, real harassment, different than the sexual kind.

• Publisher: New York Times Company
• Subject: HILL, ANITA F (PROF) / KENNEDY, EDWARD M (SEN) / Sexual harassment / SIMPSON, ALAN K (SEN) / Thomas, Clarence / THOMAS, CLARENCE (JUDGE)