Civil Rights Coalition Disappointed in Confirmation of Roberts

“We are disappointed in John Roberts’ confirmation but we applaud the 22 senators who voted their conscience and made a principled stand for the rights and freedoms of all Americans.

Not only did the White House withhold key documents that may have shed light on Roberts’ view on issues important to all Americans, Roberts used the hearings as a forum to dodge important questions from senators about where he stands on key issues. And although Roberts failed to distance himself from troubling anti-civil rights positions he took early in his career, we hope his views on protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Americans have evolved.

Over the last few days, some have expressed their belief that replacing Chief Justice Rehnquist with John Roberts will not fundamentally change the direction of the Court. Let us hope as senators are face to face with President Bush’s next nominee that they recognize the importance of maintaining the Supreme Court’s balance in the interest of all Americans.”


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The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights is the nation’s oldest, largest, and most diverse civil and human rights coalition.