National Urban League Makes Statement on Supreme Court Justice Breyer’s Retirement Announcement

Washington, D.C. (January 27, 2022) – Today, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Breyer’s retirement announcement:

“Throughout his career, Justice Breyer has been a dedicated public servant who sought to understand how the law and it’s interpretation would impact rights and lives of everyday people. We thank Justice Breyer for his long and ongoing service to the nation on the Supreme Court and his leadership in deciding to retire at this critical moment in our nation’s history. 

“President Biden has already expressed his desire to ensure the Court reflects the diversity of our nation, and we could not agree more. Of the 115 people who have served on the Supreme Court, only three of them have been persons of color, only five have been women, and only one has been a woman of color. More importantly, the shortlist of potential nominees are not only uniquely qualified to serve on the Court, but also have dedicated their lives to fighting for equal protection under the law for all. I encourage the President to move forward with this nomination as quickly as possible, and the National Urban League commits to giving the nominee serious consideration.

“I also encourage each member of the United States Senate – in particular, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Judiciary Ranking Member Chuck Grassley -- to seriously think about their legacy and the legacy of the Senate. This nomination process has the ability to restore the American people’s faith in the Senate’s ability to lead, rise above partisanship, and get things done. Let’s make sure it is a process worthy of the American people.”