The recent hiring of Crystal Clanton, a former member of the far-right organisation Turning Point USA, as a clerk for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has raised eyebrows and caused widespread discussion in the legal community. Clanton is a noted figure, having been shown the exit from Turning Point USA subsequent to public knowledge of a racist text she authored. The text contained phrases such as “I HATE BLACK PEOPLE” and used offensive language against the Black community. After her exit from Turning Point USA, Clanton managed to secure employment with Ginni Thomas, the wife of Justice Clarence Thomas and even resided with them for a period of time. Post her tenure with the Thomases, Clanton was admitted to George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School and subsequently have held clerkships with Judge Corey Maze of the Northern District of Alabama, Eleventh Circuit’s Judge William Pryor, and currently, Justice Clarence Thomas.
Northwestern Law professor Steven Lubet, in an article on Slate, suggests a more compassionate approach to Clanton’s past racial indiscretions. He points out that her racist remarks might be a youthful indiscretion that she overcame to the satisfaction of Justice Thomas.
However, Clanton’s public comments on her past racist behaviors are evasive at best with no apology or statement of regret for her actions. She claimed to have “no recollection” of the messages that do not align with her beliefs or her personality. This has been the sum total of her communication addressing her past behavior.
Lubet concludes his article by urging liberals to set a better example and allow Clanton to move forward with her life. This suggestion operates under the assumption that Clanton’s racist behavior should be ignored or, worse implied, forgiven because Justice Clarence Thomas, known for his dissenting opinions on civil rights, from voting rights to affirmative action, deems her a good person and hires her.