In regards to today’s attrocious Supreme Court decision regarding employment discrimination Scott Lemieux writes:
The effect of Sandra Day O’Connor being replaced by Alito is particularly stark in this case. O’Connor–who was offered only secretarial jobs after graduating third from her Stanford Law class–had a good record on gender discrimination, while Altio’s record on both gender issues and civil rights claims more broadly is atrocious.
May I point out it was not the Sainted Sandra Day O’Connor (or her seat) who flip-flopped on this issue, but rather it was renowned 1970s pornography aficianado Clarence Thomas.
Justice Clarence Thomas, who once led the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, sided with Goodyear.
Five years ago, Thomas joined his liberal colleagues in a 5-4 decision that made it easier for victims to complain about long-term job discrimination or harassment when shabby treatment was extended over a period of months or years.
Five short years is all it took to change Thomas’ mind. So much for precedent.