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Press release/statement

Demos Statement on Jackson Confirmation

"Demos celebrates this moment and remains committed to continued work toward a Court that aligns with the ongoing project of building a multiracial, inclusive democracy."

Demos President Taifa Smith Butler issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve as a United States Supreme Court Justice: 

“Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson—like so many Black women in this country—overcame indefensible hurdles to achieve extraordinary heights. She is a brilliant legal professional and a consummate public servant who is exceptionally qualified to be a justice of the Supreme Court. While it certainly is long overdue, this is a phenomenal moment in American history. For the very first time, Black women and girls can see themselves represented on our nation’s highest court.   

“The road to today, however, simply was unconscionable. Americans witnessed their lawmakers conduct a confirmation process rife with unabashed partisanship. Senators manipulated these hearings, intent on creating shameful soundbites for social media rather than assessing Jackson’s fitness to serve on the Court. In their deliberate efforts to embarrass Judge Jackson and distort her record, they embarked on a multi-day disinformation campaign wholly absent of reverence for the duty entrusted to them under the Constitution. Today, we applaud Judge Jackson reaching this historic moment, but we must never forget how certain senators treated her during the confirmation process.  

“Furthermore, while Jackson’s confirmation is indicative of progress in this country, it is not a sanction to rest on our laurels. There is still much work to do, including expanding the Supreme Court and restoring its legitimacy after years of radicalization. Demos celebrates this moment and remains committed to continued work toward a Court that aligns with the ongoing project of building a multiracial, inclusive democracy.”  

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Dēmos is a think tank that powers the movement for a just, inclusive, multiracial democracy. Through cutting-edge policy research, inspiring litigation, and deep relationships with grassroots organizations, Dēmos champions solutions that will create a democracy and economy rooted in racial equity.