#OTD20 | October 6, 1991

Anita Hill's Allegations Emerge: A Turning Point in Clarence Thomas' Nomination

October 6, 1991: National Public Radio reveals allegations by Anita Hill, a University of Oklahoma law professor, that she was sexually harassed by Clarence Thomas during her tenure as his assistant.

This revelation sends shockwaves through the nation, directly impacting the ongoing confirmation process of Clarence Thomas for the U.S. Supreme Court.

Hill's allegations trigger intense public debate on issues of gender, power, and the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary.

With the Senate Judiciary Committee already deliberating over Thomas' nomination, the Senate leadership, acknowledging the gravity of the allegations, opts to delay the vote scheduled for October 8 by a week.

This event underscores the complexities surrounding the Supreme Court nomination process and sparks a nationwide conversation on workplace dynamics and harassment that continues to this day.

         

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Additional Resources

Access more information from Media Rich Learning and curated off-site sources.

Jewish Women's Archive

Read the original transcript of Nina Totenberg's breaking story about Anita Hill's allegations.

Time Magazine

Read "Anita Hill's Legacy" from Time Magazine.

CNN

Read "Clarence Thomas' Legacy" from the website of CNN.

#OTD20

Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.

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Professor Anita Hill testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1991.

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Colorized photograph of two biplanes in aerial combat over Reims, France, circa 1914.

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Colorized image of Lee Harvey Oswald in handcuffs, escorted by law enforcement officers.

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Split screen TV image of the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon debate, Nixon in Los Angeles and Kennedy in New York.

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