FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Contact: Tiffany Wangtwang@ywca.org

Washington, D.C. (July 9, 2018) — Alejandra Y. Castillo, CEO of YWCA USA, issued the following statement on President Donald Trump’s nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the Supreme Court:"Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court would be a huge blow to hard-won progress that has been made towards women’s rights, racial justice, workers’ rights, health care, civil rights, immigrant justice, and so much more. He would directly threaten the rights of everyday working people, especially women and families like the ones we serve, in favor of the powerful and wealthy."Kavanaugh’s record demonstrates a blatant disregard for the rights of women, workers, immigrants, and consumers. His nomination is a direct threat to all reproductive rights, particularly Roe v. Wade. He has stood firmly against women’s constitutional rights, including trying to block a young immigrant woman from exercising her constitutionally protected right to an abortion. He repeatedly sided against the Affordable Care Act, which provides access to health care for millions of Americans. Kavanaugh’s record also shows disdain for working people; he has consistently ruled against workers fighting discrimination and mistreatment on the job. Moreover, Kavanaugh’s personal writings indicate that he believes the president is above the law, disregarding one of our nation’s most fundamental democratic principles."These are issues that impact all Americans, but will have a particularly damaging effect on those who are already the most marginalized, including women, people of color, immigrants and refugees, people with disabilities, survivors of violence and abuse, the LGBTQ+ community, and others whose rights and safety are all too often at greatest risk. Let’s be clear: Kavanaugh’s confirmation would be dangerous for our communities."The Supreme Court plays a vital role in protecting and upholding our country’s civil and human rights. If confirmed, Judge Kavanaugh will have the power to reshape law in ways that will directly impact our nation for generations to come. The stakes have never been higher. We urge all senators to put country over party and reject this nomination. The American people deserve an impartial, fair nominee who will ensure equal protections, opportunities, and justice for all. Our rights, our freedoms – our very lives – are on the line."

About YWCA USA

YWCA USA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. We are one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the nation, serving over 2 million women, girls, and their families.YWCA has been at the forefront of the most pressing social movements for 160 years — from voting rights to civil rights, from affordable housing to pay equity, from violence prevention to health care reform. Today, we combine programming and advocacy to generate institutional change in three key areas: racial justice and civil rights, empowerment and economic advancement of women and girls, and health and safety of women and girls. Learn more: www.ywca.org.

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