Saunders: Jackson confirmation a ‘joyous day’ and ‘watershed moment’

WASHINGTON — AFSCME President Lee Saunders issued this statement following the Senate’s historic vote to confirm Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court:

“Today is a joyous day in our history as we celebrate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation to the nation’s highest court. As Justice Jackson demonstrated in her confirmation hearings, she is an exemplary, fair and skilled jurist who will fiercely defend the Constitution and uphold the rule of law against escalating attacks on our democracy and working people.

“Justice Jackson’s life experience and extraordinary professional credentials have prepared her for this moment. As the daughter of two public school teachers, as a public-school graduate, as a clerk at every level of the federal judiciary, as a former federal public defender, sentencing commissioner, district court judge and appellate court judge, her understanding of the challenges working people face is unparalleled.

“This is also a watershed moment in the struggle for racial and gender justice, as Justice Jackson becomes the first African-American woman to sit on the Supreme Court. The determination and pursuit of excellence that earned her this appointment are a testament to the promise of our nation. Even in the face of intolerance and bigotry, even with so many barriers to progress, we can make America better. Justice Jackson inspires and paves the way for a new generation of leaders, especially young women of color, who now stand even taller on her shoulders.

“On behalf of AFSCME’s 1.4 million members, I congratulate our newest Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson.”