Anita Hill's Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Clarence Thomas Resurface
The Allegations:
In October 1991, Professor Anita Hill alleged that Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas had sexually harassed her while he was her supervisor at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in the early 1980s.
Hill's allegations included claims that Thomas:
- Made inappropriate sexual remarks to her.
- Repeatedly asked her out on dates, even after she made clear her disinterest.
- Talked about pornographic films and other sexually explicit topics in her presence.
The Senate Hearing:
Hill's allegations became public during Thomas' confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The hearings were televised and became a national spectacle, with the all-white, all-male committee grilling Hill about her accusations.
Thomas forcefully denied the allegations and accused Hill of perjury. The committee ultimately voted to confirm Thomas to the Supreme Court, but the hearings left a lasting mark on American politics and on the discourse surrounding sexual harassment.
Resurfacing of the Allegations:
In recent years, Hill's allegations have resurfaced in light of the #MeToo movement. In 2021, Hill's voicemail message to Thomas' wife, Virginia, was released. In the message, Hill discussed the allegations and expressed her hope that Virginia would support her in seeking accountability from Thomas.
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