HISTORIC MILESTONE: President Joe Biden Poised to Set Record for Appointing Federal Judges of Color
In a groundbreaking achievement, President Joe Biden is on the verge of setting a new record for appointing federal judges of color. As of December 4, 2024, he has appointed 228 Article III judges, including 45 judges for the United States courts of appeals, 180 judges for the United States district courts, and two judges for the United States Court of International Trade.
This remarkable feat is a testament to President Biden’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the federal judiciary. With 64% of his appointees being women and 62% being people of color, President Biden has single-handedly transformed the face of the federal judiciary.
A New Era of Diversity and Inclusion
President Biden’s appointments have been widely praised for their diversity and qualifications. He has appointed more Black women to life-tenured federal judgeships than any previous administration in history, including the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
The impact of President Biden’s appointments cannot be overstated. These judges will have the power to shape the country’s legal landscape for generations to come. They will hear cases that decide fundamental rights, from reproductive healthcare to voting rights, and their decisions will have far-reaching consequences.
A Commitment to Justice for All
President Biden’s achievement is all the more impressive given the challenges he faced in getting his nominees confirmed. Despite these obstacles, he has persevered, working with the Senate to push through his appointments.
“We are proud of the progress we’ve made in diversifying the federal judiciary,” said President Biden in a statement. “Our judges should reflect the diversity of our nation, and we will continue to work towards that goal.”
Reaction from Civil Rights Groups
Civil rights groups have praised President Biden’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the federal judiciary.
“President Biden’s appointments have been a game-changer for the federal judiciary,” said Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. “We are grateful for his commitment to diversity and inclusion, and we look forward to continuing to work with him to ensure that our judiciary reflects the diversity of our nation.”
A Lasting Legacy
As President Biden continues to make history with his judicial appointments, it’s clear that his legacy will be one of diversity, inclusivity, and a commitment to justice for all. His appointments will have a lasting impact on the federal judiciary, shaping the course of American law and justice for generations to come.
In a statement, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised President Biden’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the federal judiciary. “President Biden’s appointments have been a breath of fresh air for the federal judiciary,” said Schumer. “We are proud to have worked with him to confirm these highly qualified nominees, and we look forward to continuing to work with him to ensure that our judiciary reflects the diversity of our nation.
