Washington, D.C. — After new information regarding allegations of sexual misconduct against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh from his time as a student at Yale University, Winnie Stachelberg, executive vice president for External Affairs at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
This disturbing new information shows that we have even more reason to question Brett Kavanaugh’s statements under oath during his confirmation, as well as the FBI’s conduct when it evaluated the serious allegations of sexual assault last year. Rather than allowing a measured, fair process to determine Kavanaugh’s fitness for the bench, his supporters engaged in an unprecedented effort to shield him and his record from public scrutiny. This ranged from refusing a full review of his White House documents to preventing any serious investigation of the sexual assault allegations against him. Congress should launch an immediate investigation to determine the truth, including any political interference that allowed his nomination to be rushed to the Senate floor.
Survivors of sexual violence already have too many reasons to fear coming forward—public shaming and bias within the legal system at the top of the list. The Supreme Court, which is already exempt from the code of ethics to which other federal judges are held, must not continue to foster this fear. If Kavanaugh once again avoids a full investigation of his conduct, even more survivors will feel trapped into silence, knowing that those at the highest levels of our justice system are indifferent to the crimes committed against them.
For more information or to talk to an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected] or 202-478-6327.