Clarence Thomas Resign

Like falling dominoes, the accusers of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein trained a cascading spotlight on sexual predators. But it was Anita Hill who lifted the covers 26 years ago, bringing daylight to this rampant abuse. Anita Hill risked her reputation and personal standing to expose your vile and perverted behavior. She courageously took a stand for justice.

In return, you got a seat for a lifetime.

Today, justice is overdue for the undersigned petitioners – those who remember and a new generation then unborn. We who lived through your confirmation process believed Anita Hill then and we believe her now. We are also certain she was not alone. Where there is one target of abuse, for serial predators like you, there are many. The pattern and practice is to exact control, not because you desire, but simply because you can.

The truth about your misconduct cannot be erased. Although the all-male Senate panel shut down the debate in 1991, those voices that attempted to surface won’t be muffled in 2017. The senators who were complicit in the shameful cover-up surely owe the nation an apology.

For you, Clarence Thomas, no apology is enough. Just resign.

Public scrutiny and public accountability have no statute of limitation. Decades have lapsed but the public trust still demands action. You were given a pass that has now expired. Your indignant denials, under oath before Congress, were perjury and grounds for your removal from the bench. Resign now to save the nation the wrenching turmoil of impeachment hearings.

We also call on your victims – before and after Anita Hill – to come forward, join us and speak out. They won’t be muzzled or rebuked. You’ve enjoyed your day in court for 26 years: Now it’s time for the women who survived your perversions to have theirs.

We stand with them in the court of public opinion.

From Hollywood to Alabama, from Fox News to NPR, from the halls of Congress to the stage of comedians, widespread sexual abuse is exposing a corrupt power dynamic. But none of those men enjoy the consequential measure and impact that you wield from your perch on the U.S. Supreme Court. Your influence in shaping laws, lives and untold practices, today and in the future, is far-reaching. Your damaging misconduct on and off the bench has been unchecked. You are unfit to serve. It’s time to account.

Since 1991 justice has been delayed, but it can no longer be denied.

Clarence Thomas: Resign.