Speaking Truth to Power - Anita Hill [177]
A written report with a recommendation on whether the committee should pursue the information should result from an investigation. The committee should then determine whether the information should be kept private or made public. The entire handling of my statement in this manner could have been concluded in a week to ten days. Under this time frame, had I been advised of the procedure on September 9, when I confirmed the rumors about harassment to Ricki Seidman, Senator Kennedy’s investigator, or on September 12, when I contacted Harriet Grant of Senator Biden’s nomination staff, the matter might have been concluded by September 23, which was the date on which I sent a statement to the committee. More important, had the matter been handled promptly and in the manner I describe, you might have avoided the leak of the information to the press. Fewer people would have known about the information and there would likely have been greater satisfaction with the process internally among the staffers.
I make these suggestions for the sake of the process and others who may have information relevant to a future nomination. I have made peace with the action I took in my own claim and have only one thing to ask of the committee. Many of you have extended to women your regrets for your insensitivity in handling my claim. Others have apologized to the American public for your poor showing in the hearing. On a personal note, I would like to remind you that none of you have apologized to my parents. At the time of the hearing they were nearly eighty years old. They have worked hard all their lives and attempted to raise their children to fear God, seek the truth, and to respect the authority of the government. Six of their seven sons served in the armed forces over the course of nearly twenty years. Putting aside my bias, I know and their community knows that they are individuals of the highest character. Your malicious indictment of me was an indictment of them and all that they have taught me. At a time in their lives when they should be enjoying carefree days of leisure activities, they still fear for my safety and well-being. At the very least, they deserve a public apology from each of you.
In keeping with your responsibility to represent all of your constituency in the best interest of the country, you owe to each of us the assurance that you did indeed learn from the experience of 1991 and the promise that you will fulfill your future obligations in a more sensitive and enlightened manner.
YOURS VERY TRULY,
ANITA F. HILL
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
It is impossible to acknowledge all of the people who contributed to this book and the variety of ways that each did so. But I will begin where the book begins by thanking my family. My parents, to whom this book is dedicated, and my Uncle George Elliott were sources of inspiration and invaluable information for this book. As they have throughout my life, my sisters and brothers, Elreatha, Albert, Alfred, Winston, Bill, Doris, Allen, Joyce, Carlene, John, Ray, and JoAnn gave immeasurable support during the time I was writing this book. In addition, their telling of family stories contributed to making this book not just my story but ours. My cousins Willie Faye Parker, Berniece O’Guinn, and Eddie and Lois Hill were great sources of love and support. And Eric Hill, whose misfortune it was to live the hearing and three years following along with me, gave me amazing perspective on it all that not only enriched the book but also enriched my life.
In addition to being about family, this book is about integrity and friendship. The greatest lessons came from those people who participated with me during the hearing, making sure that my story was heard not only because of their commitment to me but also because of their commitment to the integrity of the confirmation