Committing sexual violence is abhorrent and the trauma leaves longlasting marks on its victims—sometimes in every aspect of their lives. Individuals who commit these abuses of power don’t deserve to be in positions of power—and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) agrees.
That’s why Senator Hirono pledges to ask every judicial nominee—under oath—whether they have ever committed sexual violence. On Twitter, she posted a clip of her asking federal court nominee Kurt D. Engelhardt. She said, in part:
As you know, women and men all across the country have been speaking up about their experiences with sexual assault and harassment—certainly in Hollywood but we know that occurs in many other settings. In fact in his year-end statement Chief Justice John Roberts recognized that “the judicial branch is not immune” to this widespread problem.
Citing her responsibility as a Senate Judiciary Committee member, she asked the following question to Engelhardt that she plans to use moving forward:
- “Since you became a legal adult, have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors or committed any verbal or physical harassment or assault of a sexual nature?”
- “Have you ever faced discipline or entered into a settlement related to this kind of conduct?”
Engelhardt answered no to both questions.
This may seem like a small gesture, but it’s a brilliant way to hold future judges accountable by ensuring their statements are under oath. I hope this a sign of a continued culture change from giving abusers more prestige and power.
Thank you, Sen. Hirono!