SSN Commentary

To Infinity and Beyond: What Will It Take To Create a Diverse and Representative Judiciary?

Policy field

Connect with the author

Tulane University of Louisiana

Originally published as "To Infinity and Beyond: What Will It Take To Create a Diverse and Representative Judiciary?" The Hill, September 10, 2021.

With a slim majority in the Senate, President Biden has moved swiftly to fill judicial vacancies since taking office, continuing President Obama’s determination to seek out qualified women, particularly women of color. Just this week, Biden announced a new slate of judicial nominees that again include historic firsts when it comes to the representation of women on the federal bench.

As part of his efforts to diversify the federal courts, Biden should next turn his attention to the Federal Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, the most male-dominated court of appeals in U.S. history. Thankfully, vacancies are soon expected.