Concerned Citizens of America

I know that the decision to filibuster a Supreme Court nomination is not to be undertaken lightly, but Samuel Alito’s past affiliation with the Concerned Alumni of Princeton (CAP) should be setting off warning bells and red flags for any Senator—any American—concerned about civil rights.

CAP no longer exists. It disbanded in 1987. However, it was the very embodiment of racism, sexism, homophobia, and anti-diversity. Alito’s membership in this organization, for virtually the entire duration of its existence, should be all the proof needed to demonstrate just how inappropriate a Supreme Court pick he is. In 1985, he saw fit to brag about his membership when applying for a job in the Reagan administration. On Tuesday, however, when asked about his membership he responded by saying:

“I have wracked my memory about this issue, and I really have no specific recollection of that organization. But since I put it down on that statement, then I certainly must have been a member at that time.”

That is not good enough. By claiming he couldn’t remember, Alito showed himself unwilling to engage in an open and transparent discussion about his membership in CAP and, more specifically, his reasons for touting his membership to the Reagan administration, even though the organization had been criticized for its anti-women and anti-minority positions. A more forthcoming explanation of his affiliation with CAP during a time when their reactionary views were well established might shed light on his current views and, more importantly, whether or not he champions the bigotry that CAP stood for. Instead, he has chosen to sidestep the question, by claiming no knowledge of the group, which suggests a reluctance to engage in a meaningful critique of CAP’s views. This does not bode well for civil rights in America.

One thing is for certain. If there is even the slightest possibility that a Supreme Court nominee subscribes to the kinds of views once held by the now defunct Concerned Alumni of Princeton, he or she should be roundly rejected by the United States Senate. This won’t happen by a vote alone, given the current Republican majority. For the sake of liberty and equality, the Democrats have no choice but to filibuster.