Statement by Wade Henderson on the Nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to be Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court

“The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights today announces its support for the nomination of Elena Kagan to be Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court and urges her speedy confirmation.  In every step of her career, Elena Kagan has highly distinguished herself through her outstanding intellectual credentials, her independence of thought, and her strong respect for the rule of law.  She is fully qualified and ready to serve on the Supreme Court.

We look forward to the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings next week, and we urge Senators to explore in depth Elena Kagan’s views on the highly important civil and human rights issues that are facing our nation.  We also urge Senators not to be swayed by a small number of ideological extremists who have been grasping at straws to characterize her as having an ideological agenda.  While the Senate should thoroughly explore her views, it is abundantly clear to us that Elena Kagan is a consensus-builder who will play an important role in healing a fractured Court and in protecting the rights of all Americans.

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Wade Henderson is President and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition charged by its diverse membership 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 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.