Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson CONFIRMED
By: Joy D. Calloway, Interim President & CEO, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York
This is a moment for JOY. Today, in a historic moment more than 230 years in the making, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court. When she is sworn in, she will become the first Black woman to serve on the nation’s highest court.
We cannot lose sight of how meaningful this moment is — for Black women and girls, for people of color, for our judiciary, and for America.
The highest court in our country should reflect the diversity of backgrounds and experiences we see in our country. Judge Jackson’s confirmation is one step toward making that a reality.
Judge Jackson is an eminently qualified, history-making, and inspiring nominee. Her record indicates a deep commitment to public service and pursuing equal justice under the law, including safeguarding individual liberties and rights. I hoped her confirmation hearings would reflect and acknowledge this deep commitment and knowledge. And yet instead we saw horrific behavior and comments directed at her throughout the hearings, a direct reflection of the centuries of systemic racism that made this moment take far too long.
We must not lose sight of how long this took, how overdue it was, and the lack of dignity she was offered. And at the same time, we celebrate her confirmation, and I look forward to decades of witnessing her brilliance on the highest court.
I’m thankful that Judge Jackson also clearly understands the importance of respecting legal precedent, allowing the American people to rely on their ability to exercise their rights. During her confirmation hearings, Judge Jackson acknowledged that the Roe and Casey cases are settled law, have been reaffirmed by the Supreme Court several times, and are relied upon by the public.
A huge congratulations to Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson!
