Published:
Thursday, June 30, 2011
President Obama’s term has had its share of disappointments for civil libertarians. But there is no denying that the Administration has moved diversity in the judiciary forward in the last two years.
About half of the 86 federal district and appellate judges appointed by Obama have been women. Half of the Asia-Pacific appointees on the federal bench are Obama’s, including the first Vietnamese American, Chinese American woman and Korean American federal judges. Obama also nominated the first Native American for the federal bench, who is awaiting confirmation.
African Americans make up 22% of the judicial nominees by Obama and Hispanics make up 11%. Obama’s diversity numbers far exceed those of the previous two presidents, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
Diversity in the judiciary is important because it enhances inclusiveness and discourages discrimination. In a country as diverse as the U.S., it is important that the courts understand the variety of circumstances and situations that our populace faces.
