In 1991, Anita Hill was thrust into the public spotlight when she testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee during then Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas’ confirmation hearing. The legacy of her testimony includes an increased awareness of sexual harassment in the workplace today. Hill, now a law professor at Brandeis University, has continued to speak widely on social and political issues facing our world. On Thursday, April 23, at the Bennington Center for the Arts, she will reflect on a premise from President Barack Obama’s inaugural address in a lecture open to the public entitled, “Choosing America’s Better History: The Supreme Court, Civil Rights and the Promise of Citizenship.”
Anita Hill’s visit to Vermont is part of the annual Four Colleges Issues Forum, sponsored by Bennington College, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Southern Vermont College and Williams College. Prior to the upcoming lecture, the four colleges will hold related learning events, including a gathering of students and faculty to discuss Hill’s 1995 biography, “Speaking Truth to Power.” The April 23 lecture, which begins at 7:30 pm in the BCA auditorium, is free and open to the public, with a brief reception following. Seating for this event is limited and tickets are required, which will be available at BCA’s box office by calling 802-442-7158.
Hill has taught law and social policy for 25 years and has lectured in the US and abroad. She has also written commentary for Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, The Boston Globe and Ms. Magazine and appears regularly on programs including Good Morning America, Meet the Press, The Today Show and Larry King Live.
Inspired by President Obama’s inaugural speech in which he asked every American “to choose our better history,” Hill’s talk will explore the role of the Supreme Court and other federal courts in enforcing civil rights and passing on the promise of meaningful citizenship from generation to generation. Her talk will address how this administration can choose members of the federal courts, including a Supreme Court Justice, in ways that promote equality and diversity.
