Contact:
Lisa Goodnight, goodnightl@aauw.org
202/785-7738

AAUW Executive Director Linda D. Hallman, CAE, issued the following statement:

AAUW monitors the judicial nomination process because so many of our fundamental rights and liberties have been established and are protected by the federal courts. AAUW supports a fair and balanced judiciary. This is especially important when it comes to the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land. Judge Sonia Sotomayor, if confirmed, would become the first Hispanic and only the third woman Supreme Court justice. AAUW is pleased that President Obama selected not only such an experienced nominee, but also a distinguished jurist whose broad range of life experiences would add welcome depth to the court. In the coming days, AAUW will carefully consider Judge Sotomayor's record, as we do all judicial nominees. Of critical importance is the nominee's commitment to following established precedents that preserve decades of progress for women and girls. With so much at stake, AAUW will remain vigilant and outspoken in urging the president and Senate to work together in a consultative process to ensure that only jurists who are committed to upholding the rights of all Americans — in word and in deed — are considered for these esteemed, lifetime appointments.

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AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Since 1881, AAUW has been one of the nation's leading voices promoting education and equity for women and girls. AAUW has a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, 1,000 branches, and 500 college/university institutional partners. Since AAUW's founding more than 128 years ago, members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. AAUW's commitment to educational equity is reflected in its public policy advocacy, community programs, leadership development, conventions and conferences, national partnerships, and international connections.

Visit the AAUW website at www.aauw.org.