YWCA USA's Statement on the Nomination of Merrick Garland to the U.S. Supreme Court

WASHINGTON, March 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, YWCA USA released the following statement on the nomination of Merrick Garland to the U.S. Supreme Court:

YWCA USA thanks President Obama for fulfilling his important constitutional duty, by today nominating Merrick Garland to the U.S. Supreme Court. We also thank the president for nominating a jurist who is eminently qualified for the job, as seen through his legal reasoning and decisions. As one of the oldest and largest racial justice and women's empowerment organizations, we must simultaneously express our disappointment that a woman or person of color was not chosen. This is a missed opportunity to nominate a jurist who could have also reflected the rich diversity of the United States.

YWCA USA now urges all in the Senate who bear responsibility for ensuring the continued health of our democracy to take a principled approach to this nomination and swiftly hold a confirmation hearing and vote for Merrick Garland. The fact that it is an election year should not be an excuse for handicapping our Supreme Court or our country by failing to act on this nominee. There is ample precedent for moving a nomination forward in an election year: 13 presidents have filled Supreme Court vacancies during an election year, the most recent being President Ronald Reagan, who nominated Justice Anthony Kennedy to the court. Justice Kennedy was confirmed by the Senate in February 1988.

The Supreme Court of the United States plays a vital role in the strength of our nation. YWCA seeks a process that prevails over partisan politics and is aligned with the values of justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

YWCA USA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. We are one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the nation, serving over 2 million women, girls, and their families. For information about this important work, go to: www.ywca.org.

Contact: Jennifer Myers
YWCA USA
P 202.835.2361 | [email protected]

SOURCE YWCA USA

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