NCJW Endorses Supreme Court Nominee Solicitor General Elena Kagan
May 10, 2010, Washington, DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today endorsed Solicitor General Elena Kagan as an Associate Justice to the US Supreme Court. NCJW President Nancy Ratzan released the following statement:
"NCJW applauds President Obama's nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to replace retiring Justice John Paul Stevens on the Supreme Court. Justice Stevens has been a champion for constitutional values and a bridge builder during his long tenure on the court. General Kagan shares these characteristics. She is eminently qualified to serve on our nation’s highest court, bringing a record of legal brilliance and the unique and valuable perspective of a legal career in public service and academia. When Elena Kagan takes her seat, there will be three women on the court -- a significant historic advance.
"A law clerk for Judge Abner Mikva and Justice Thurgood Marshall, Elena Kagan has a record that reflects their high ideals of justice and equality for all. Throughout her career, General Kagan has demonstrated her understanding of the impact that the law and court decisions have on our everyday lives. Whether opposing discrimination against LGBT law students or advocating for limits to corporate power in elections, she has proven herself to be a champion for civil rights. President Obama, a supporter of the constitutional right to privacy including reproductive rights, has, as he pledged, chosen a nominee who shares that commitment to the law.
"NCJW urges the Senate Judiciary Committee to move forward quickly with a confirmation process that will allow General Kagan to share her views with the American people. We have every hope that she will be confirmed with strong bipartisan support consistent with the support she received from scholars, colleagues, and senators when confirmed as Solicitor General. NCJW will mobilize its members and supporters through our BenchMark judicial nominations campaign to take action in support of General Kagan's confirmation.
"We have every confidence that Elena Kagan will distinguish herself on the bench as she has throughout her stellar legal career. Justice Stevens has been a stalwart defender of justice for all. We believe that his legacy will be well-served by Elena Kagan."
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. Through BenchMark: NCJW's Judicial Nominations Campaign, NCJW is engaged in a national effort to educate and mobilize NCJW members, the Jewish community, and friends and allies everywhere to promote a federal bench with judges that support fundamental freedoms, including a woman's right to choose.
Contact:
Emily Alfano
202 296 2588 x5; emily@ncjwdc.org