Center for Policing Equity on the Confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the US Supreme Court

April 08 2022

The Center for Policing Equity (CPE) congratulates Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on her historic nomination and subsequent confirmation to the Supreme Court of the United States. Judge Jackson will be the first Black woman in the United States' 246 year history to sit on the nation's highest court. CPE celebrates this momentous day and recognizes how long overdue it was.

Since this country's inception, it and far too many of its people have experienced heartbreaking moments of pain, grief, and loss caused by institutions and systems that consistently fail vulnerable individuals and communities. The lack of genuine diversity on the Supreme Court has historically reflected and compounded the challenges faced by these communities at all points of contact with America's legal systems. Judge Jackson’s confirmation is a necessary and hope filled step toward greater democracy and a more equitable nation.  

For many at CPE, Judge Jackson’s confirmation is deeply personal. We watched with the rest of the country as, after a notable career filled with singular achievements, she faced vicious attacks on her experience, qualifications, and intentions with poise, grace, and dignity. In a nation where White supremacy can and often does drown out the power and excellence in Black and Brown communities, members of those communities–and most especially young Black women–can now see their lives, the challenges they've faced, and their highest aspirations represented on the highest court in the land. 

Drawing on her experience as a public defender, Judge Jackson has spoken explicitly about her commitment to public safety and working with those most directly affected by the systems that so frequently fail Americans. At CPE, we are committed to redesigning public safety systems to be more equitable so that all communities, especially those most vulnerable to heavy-handed policing, can feel safe. We are confident that Judge Jackson’s confirmation will only move us closer to realizing that mission, and look forward to seeing her ascend to the bench of the United States Supreme Court.

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About Center for Policing Equity: As a research and action organization, Center for Policing Equity (CPE) produces analyses identifying and reducing the causes of racial disparities in law enforcement. Using evidence-based approaches to social justice, we use data to create levers for social, cultural and policy change. Center for Policing Equity also holds a 501(c)3 status.