With More Sexual Assault Allegations, This Hearing Cannot Go Forward

WASHINGTON – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the most recent sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh:

“These new serious sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh are deeply disturbing. A third survivor has now requested a thorough, nonpartisan FBI investigation into Kavanaugh’s conduct. If Senate Republicans truly want to ‘depoliticize’ the cloud hanging over Kavanaugh, they would immediately halt plans for tomorrow’s hearing and Friday’s committee vote. Their refusal to involve the FBI clearly demonstrates that they do not take sexual assault allegations seriously.

“This moment is bigger than one hearing, Brett Kavanaugh, or even the Supreme Court. This moment uncovers how seriously we as a nation take sexual assault allegations and the treatment of women.

“Kavanaugh must withdraw his nomination. There is too much at stake.”

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.