An open letter published by members of the Yale Law community argues that Supreme Court nominee and Yale Law alumnus Brett Kavanaugh poses a threat to the lives of Americans.
An open letter published on Tuesday by members of the Yale Law community — including students, alumni, and faculty — argues that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh poses a threat to the prestigious graduate school’s legacy.
Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination presents an emergency — for democratic life, for our safety and freedom, for the future of our country. His nomination is not an interesting intellectual exercise to be debated amongst classmates and scholars in seminar. Support for Judge Kavanaugh is not apolitical. It is a political choice about the meaning of the constitution and our vision of democracy, a choice with real consequences for real people. Without a doubt, Judge Kavanaugh is a threat to the most vulnerable. He is a threat to many of us, despite the privilege bestowed by our education, simply because of who we are.
The letter, which is signed by more than 200 students, alumni, and faculty, goes a step farther and claims that Kavanaugh’s confirmation will lead to many American deaths. “People will die if he is confirmed,” the letter reads.
Now is the time for moral courage — which for Yale Law School comes at so little cost. Perhaps you, as an institution and as individuals, will benefit less from Judge Kavanaugh’s ascendent power if you withhold your support. Perhaps Judge Kavanaugh will be less likely to hire your favorite students. But people will die if he is confirmed. We hope you agree your sacrifice would be worth it. Please use your authority and platform to expose the stakes of this moment and the threat that Judge Kavanaugh poses.
The letter also expresses concern for Kavanaugh’s stances on abortion, LGBT rights, and government fraud and abuse. Despite the panic, Yale Law officials published a glowing set of remarks for Kavanaugh on their website on Monday.
“Judge Kavanaugh commands wide and deep respect among scholars, lawyers, judges, and justices,” said Yale Law Professor Akhil Reed Amar said. “Good appellate judges faithfully follow the Supreme Court; great ones influence and help steer the Court. Several of Kavanaugh’s biggest ideas have found their way into Supreme Court opinions. Thanks to decades of high-level experience and close observation, Kavanaugh also understands the intricacies of the executive and legislative branches.”