NCJW Asserts Rights at Stake in the New Supreme Court Term
October 3, 2008, Washington, DC -- Nancy Ratzan, president of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), today highlighted the concerns of NCJW regarding the Supreme Court's 2008-2009 term which begins on Monday, October 6:
"The first Monday of October marks the beginning of the new Supreme Court term. Last term saw the court swing to the right, led by two new justices. In case after case, the court has struck blow after blow against anti-discrimination protections and fundamental civil liberties and rights, including reproductive freedom. This term several cases are cause for concern."The court will be asked to decide two cases involving the rights of women at the workplace -- one on sexual harassment law and the other on pregnancy disability and retirement credit. Two challenges to the 2006 extension of the Voting Rights Act are at stake, and yet another case involving religious monuments in public parks is on the docket.
"It can seem as if each case represents a minor chink in the armor protecting our constitutional rights and liberties. But bit by bit they build a wall denying all of us recourse to the courts to enforce our laws.
"Who sits on the Supreme Court is critical to the fate of our rights and liberties. And who sits in the White House ultimately determines who sits on that court. This First Monday, coming almost exactly one month before the election, reminds us again about one of the issues at stake in this presidential election."
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Contact:
Emily Alfano
202 296 2588 x5; emily@ncjwdc.org