Nomination 

On February 25, 2022, President Biden nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for the supreme court. This nomination followed Justice Stephen Beyer’s recent retirement announcement. Jackson made history as the first black female nominated for the supreme court and her conformations began on Monday, March 21, 2022. 

Background

Ketanji Brown Jackson was born in Washington D.C. She attended both Harvard University and law school. Jackson worked several different legal jobs including being a public defender, a clerk for U.S district judges and prestigious law firms, and served on the sentencing commission. Jackson was nominated by Obama to serve as a U.S. district judge in 2012 but her nomination wasn’t acted on and had to be renewed by Obama in 2013. In  March of 2013, she was confirmed by the Senate and placed on the U.S. District Court. When she was serving on the U.S. District Court for 8 years, Jackson handled many high-profile cases including the Judiciary vs McGahn case. In June 2021, after a confirmation hearing, Jackson was placed on the second-highest court called the D.C. Circut. There is no question that Jackson has the qualification and experience to be on the Supreme Court but her future lies in the hands of the Senate.

Interview

Here are a few questions and responses from the President of the Diversity Club Kianna Thomas and the President of Girl Up Aliyah Quijada.

What are your thoughts on Jackson being nominated to the Supreme Court?

Both Kianna Thomas and Aliyah Quijada find Jackson’s nomination important and beneficial to the future of the justice system. They both are extremely happy to see a black woman being nominated and look forward to the continuous growth in the diversity of representation. Thomas also discussed the current media conversation on Jackson’s qualifications saying “I personally believe she is qualified for the job, so it is eye-opening to witness the reactions from media undermining her academic journey of becoming a lawyer.” 

What does the significance of this nomination?

Even with no official word on Jackson’s status, her nomination alone is significant to the country’s history and its future. Thomas and Quijada discussed how Jackson’s nomination serves as an inspiration for all and gives hope to minority groups whose struggles have carried over generations. They believe this nomination is a sign that as a country we are heading toward equality and success for all.

How do you think Jackson will shape the world of politics for women and people of color in the future?

Quijada and Thomas believe that not only the nomination of Jackson, but the continued success of women all over the world will allow the next generation to fight for and have the courage to use their voice. Quijada thinks that Jackson’s “leadership will encourage women to enter the world of politics fearlessly with the strength to make their voices heard.” They both hope that Jackson will serve as a representation for the future of strong women and voices to come. Thomas left us with one final thought on Jackson, stating “representation truly matters, and women are finally able to not only dream but know that they too can occupy a seat at the table that’s belonged to only men for too long.”