Believing Anita Hill

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Dr. Anita Hill made history in 1991 when she testified to the Senate Judiciary committee about the sexual harassment perpetrated against her by Clarence Thomas. After the all-white, all-male committee led by then-Senator Joe Biden heard Dr. Hill's testimony, Clarence Thomas was confirmed to the US Supreme Court.

In the 30 years since, Anita Hill has spent her career as a law professor hearing from survivors of gender-based violence, ranging from harassment (which she expected) to assault. In her new book, Believing, she connects the dots between the systems that empower abuse and minimize vulnerable people, and the culture that keeps us as bystanders. From that history, she tackles the policy solutions we'll need to reform the system from the inside and the social courage we'll need to muster to transform it.

As Dr. Hill's book focuses on gender-based violence and discrimination, there is factual discussion in this episode about the existence of sexual harassment, assault and abuse. Survivors, please take good care when listening.

Links:

Believing

Anita Hill’s opening statement in her 1991 testimony

Biden expresses regret to Anita Hill

From the CYG archive: Joe Biden Problems

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