Rao’s Views “Antithetical” to Interests of Everyday Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 5, 2019 – Following today’s confirmation hearing for Neomi Rao, President Trump’s nominee for the D.C Circuit Court seat formerly held by Brett Kavanaugh, AFJ President Nan Aron released the following statement:

“Neomi Rao’s statements today fell far short of the high bar for a prospective federal judge. In fact, they revealed that Rao harbors hostility toward people and communities who most rely on our courts to uphold their rights. Asked about her disparaging writings about sexual assault survivors, she repeatedly insisted on ‘common-sense’ steps women must take to avoid assault, signaling that she still believes in blaming survivors. Her claim to emulate the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King strained credulity — especially when she then refused to say if Brown v. Board was correctly decided. She pointedly resisted acknowledgement of LGBTQ rights, including marriage equality. All this is alarming enough. But Rao also signaled her ongoing zeal for slashing government protections for consumers, workers and the environment, while expressing her expansive views of presidential power. In a host of ways, Rao’s views are antithetical to the interests of everyday Americans; she should not be confirmed to the D.C. Circuit.”