In this episode of Slow Burn, titled “S8 Ep. 4: A National Disgrace,” the focus is on the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and the sexual harassment allegations made by Anita Hill. The episode explores the impact of these accusations on Thomas, Hill, and the nation as a whole.
The episode begins by introducing George Kasouf, whose role was to investigate potential federal court nominees for The Alliance for Justice. Kasouf became an expert on Clarence Thomas and built an extensive dossier on him. He received a call about a woman who had been sexually harassed by Thomas, leading him to contact Anita Hill. Hill’s accusations ignited nationwide conversations about racism and sexual harassment.
The confirmation hearings for Clarence Thomas initially lacked controversy or suspense. However, just two days before the senators were set to vote, Anita Hill’s accusations emerged. Hill had initially hoped Thomas would be her mentor but ended up in the hospital due to stress-related stomach pains. The controversy surrounding Thomas stemmed from his stormy tenure as head of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Hill faced threats and harassment after going public with her story.
Clarence Thomas denied Anita Hill’s allegations and had conservative allies supporting him. The Judiciary Committee decided to reopen the hearings with limited scope and no comprehensive investigation. Thomas was given the opportunity to testify first and last, while there were no ground rules for Hill. Attempts were made to discredit Hill by accusing her of various things, including being a scorned lover and a radical feminist. Thomas used the term “high-tech lynching” to describe the accusations against him, leveraging race to his advantage.
Angela Wright and Rose Jordaine were two additional women who had negative experiences with Clarence Thomas. Efforts were made to subpoena Wright and arrange for Jordaine to testify, even though she was bedridden in the hospital. The Judiciary Committee also interviewed another potential witness. In addition to Anita Hill, three other women were scheduled to testify: Angela Wright, Rose Jordain, and Sakari Hartnet. However, Joe Biden did not call Wright to testify.
Despite the controversy, Clarence Thomas was confirmed by the Senate with the smallest margin for a Supreme Court nominee in over a century. Thomas’ allies learned that the best defense is a good offense. He has since become a revered figure in the conservative movement and has influenced significant decisions. The confirmation process had a lasting impact on Anita Hill and strained Thomas’ relationship with Joe Biden. Thomas’ vision of the Supreme Court as a political juggernaut for the far right has been realized.
The confirmation hearings of Clarence Thomas and the sexual harassment allegations made by Anita Hill had a profound impact on both individuals and the nation as a whole. The controversy surrounding Thomas’ confirmation process and the subsequent confirmation itself have shaped the trajectory of the Supreme Court. Anita Hill’s bravery in coming forward sparked important conversations about racism and sexual harassment. The legacy of these events continues to influence the political landscape and the perception of the Supreme Court.