University Daily Kansan / Monday, October 14, 1991
THOMAS HEARINGS
5
Senate confirmation process spurs concern among faculty
By Alexander Bloemhof Kansan staff writer
KU professors reacted with concern to the Senate Judiciary Committee's special hearings on allegations that Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas sexually harassed a former employee.
"I had to describe it in one word, "I said it's tragic," said Richard Levy, professor of law. "The whole story was that he was a serpius just went everyone involved."
Levy said he thought the hearings would harm the Supreme Court.
*If Thomas is ultimately confirmed, he will take the position on the court with a cloud over him. If Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg justice has been "he said," he
Levy said the hearings would damage the credibility and respect of the court because people would start questioning its integrity.
However, a rejection of Thomas by the Senate would deprive the court of well-qualified nominees in the future, he said.
"If he is not confirmed, then any person who is approached and asked to be a nominee would have to be very reluctant to put themselves through what Judge Thomas has experienced," Levy said.
Confirmation of Thomas seemed
sure until information from an FBI investigation was leaked to the public last week. The Senate delayed its confirmation vote to allow the Judiciary Committee hearings on the allegations.
The FBI investigated allegations by Anita Hilla, a law professor at the University of Oklahoma, that homossex had sexually harassed her and was abused at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission a decade ago.
"I myself would hope that the lesson could be learned by the president and the Senate that political differences are irreconcilable and that more moderate judges should be selected," Levy said.
Thomas Stacy, associate professor of law, said the Senate's action was appropriate.
"I do not agree with any argument that we ought not consider charges like this because of effects that might have in the future." Stacy
He said that the charges were relevant to Thomas' confirmation and that 'Hill was a credible witness.
"Given that, I think it's appropriate that the Senate is considering the charges and is taking them seriously," Stacy said. "The Senate's role goes beyond just rubber-stamping the president's nomination."
Allian Ciglar, professor of political science, said it was self-evident that something was wrong with the confirmation process.
He said that interest groups and grass-roots movements played an increasingly important part in the confirmation process.
"I think the politicians involved realize that there are no winners and that it's their interest to make the process more private," Cigler said.
James Daniels, second-year law student and president of the National Black Law Students Association, said the charges should have been fully investigated before they were made public.
He said that he did not think that the senators opposed to Thomas were racially motivated but that the charges played to stereotypes of promiscuity among African-American males.
"It's difficult every time an African-American is involved to totally avoid a racial issue," he said.
Campus opinions on hearings vary
Most students frustrated with nomination process
By Kerrie Gottschalk
Kansan staff writer
The Clarence Thomas hearings were competing yesterday against football and baseball games for television viewers, but few people were hesitant to give their views about the proceedings.
Kristen Petty/Special to the KANSAN
"I think it is pointless to bring up stuff from 10 years ago," said Tim Kay, Northfield, Ill., junior, at Yello Sub, 624W.12th.St.
Supreme Court nominee Thomas has been accused of sexual harassment by Anita Hill, a law professor at Columbia University and former Thomas assistant.
Residents of Douthart Scholarship Hall debate Clarence Thomas' nomination to the Supreme Court. They were watching the hearings yesterday
Kay and John Hardy, Dickinson, N.D., junior, said that Hill might have misinterpreted what Thomas said to his parents about the harassment allegedly took place.
In Senate testimony Friday, Hill said that Thomas used sexually offensive language and asked her for a date. In an interview in 1983, he worked for burn between 1983 and 1988.
She also testified that Thomas boasted of his sexual abilities and discussed sexual conduct in pornographic movies.
In Senate testimony Saturday,
Thomas angrily denied that any sexual
contact took place.
Kay and Hardy agreed that Thomas' life was ruined and that Hill probably would suffer only temporarily.
At the Kansas Union lounge, five or as people were watching the hearing
Linda James, Lawrence resident and Union employee, said, "I want to believe Clarence Thomas is telling the questions specifically enough.
"I think Anita Hill has a lot going for her. I think she sounds credible."
Sharon Groh, a Wathena resident who was in the Union television room, said she thought that even if the alleged harassment had occurred, the accusation might have been a few years too late.
"I think people can misconstruse some things that are said to them," she said. "I also don't I think we need to take issue with everything."
not tell her coworker at the time of the alleged harassment.
AF Duds 'N Suds Laundry, 918 Stuart St., the television was tuned into music videos, but several people had seen them some of the hearings.
She said she wondered why Hill did
Lisa Surdell, Ormah, Neb., sophomore, said that most of her friends thought that Hill was telling the truth but that she thought Hill was lying.
Todd Hernandez, Littleton, Colo., sophomore, said. "There really are no clear answers. It's hard to tell what is going to happen and chances that would be too bad for him."
"I think he (Thomas) is a good guy, I think he is qualified for the job," Surtur said.
"At this point, I don't see how they can let him become a justice."
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National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week October 14-20
SPECIAL EVENTS AT KU
MON, OCT. 14 Alcohol Awareness Week Kick-off Wescoe Beach,10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Look for the Crashed Car on campus: Monday - Friday TUE, OCT. 15 Trike Race. South of Memorial Stadium Scoreboard. See the effects of alcohol on motor skills. Sponsored by GAMMA Speaker from DCCCA Oliver Hall WED, OCT. 16 "Eddie Talks". Ellsworth Hall, 6:30 p.m. renowned alcohol awareness film "Be a Kid"*. Hashinger Hall, Jello Sucking Fun "Don't Become a Grouch"*. McCollum Hall Stress Management Program THU, OCT. 17 "RiGue Business". Oliver Hall, 8-9 p.m., free admission It's dramatic, funny, musical, and entertaining, but best of all, the theatrical troupe of five students has a powerful message about dealing with the problems & stresses of college life. NABS Festival', Hashinger Hall The "O & A Pub'. Lewis and Templin Halls, 10 p.m. to Midnight featuring the Black Cat Bone Band. FRI, OCT. 18 Homecoming Parade'. Jayhawk Blvd., 2:20 p.m. Watch for the Crashed Car & Vince & Larry, the Seat Belt Dummies. Late Night with Rov Williams Introducing Vince & Larry with an important announcement SAT, OCT. 19 Homecoming/Parents' Weekend KU vs, Iowa St. game. Vince & Larry with an important half-time announcement SUN, OCT. 20 BACCHUS Dance-a-thon. Kansas Room, Kansas Union. Noon to 4 p.m. Dance till you Karoake! 6 person team $24. Individuals $4. Dance the longest with the most people! For details contact Julie Dolan 832-2300
- CONTACT HALL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
For more details about Alcohol Awareness Week call Health Education at 864-9570.