Anita Hill: Hard work ahead for equality
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The woman whose sexual-harassment allegations roiled the nation at confirmation hearings for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas told Tucsonans on Wednesday that women and minorities must persevere for equality.
Anita Hill told 1,000 people at the Arizona Women's Conference luncheon at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, "The concept of equality is a beautiful thing. The reality is hard work. We must continue that work."
Hill, who teaches law at Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass., said much has been accomplished but more must be done.
"The last 50 years have seen great movement for women," Hill said, citing increased numbers in the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and in federal judgeships.
"I want better; I want more for the next generation of young women," she said. To those who say the baby-boom generation, which includes her, is greedy, "Maybe this is what it means to be greedy. I'm OK with it if that's what it means."
Hill and Thomas worked in the U.S. Department of Education in the Reagan administration in the early 1980s. The media in 1991 made public her private claims to the FBI that Thomas harassed her by asking her for dates and discussing pornography, leading to a delay in Thomas' confirmation vote.
Thomas vehemently denied all, and he eventually was confirmed 52-48 in the Senate. That came after a historic Senate Judiciary Committee hearing at which Hill and Thomas testified and Hill was castigated as a liar by other witnesses, including Thomas.
Hill referred to that episode as showing why perseverance is essential.
"I'm a living witness: Even when the most powerful people in the country try to destroy you, you can survive," she said.
She started her speech after a standing ovation by declaring: "It's great to be in Arizona. I'm excited about being in a place where women run things."
Hill then listed the governor's office, the South Tucson mayor's position and the vice mayor's office in Tucson - all held by women. She then said, "And I'm talking about each one of you."
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Those that believe her are those that are lead around with a rope around thier necks!
The case has been settled. She was not telling the truth.