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In a landscape marred by political polarization and social unrest, the U.S. Supreme Court—once regarded as the bedrock of justice—now stands as a glaring symbol of disillusionment for Americans.
It’s clear, the Supreme Court is in crisis, and there’s data to support this fact. Over the past few years, public trust in the Court has plummeted, with only 18% of Americans expressing confidence in its integrity.
In fact, 6 in 10 Americans believe the Supreme Court is out of touch with the public, according to a Monmouth University poll. This staggering decline is not merely a statistic; it reflects a profound and growing sense of betrayal felt by countless citizens across the nation.
Supreme Court loses support from Americans
Since 2000 approval ratings for the Supreme Court have shifted dramatically. Among registered Republicans, support dropped from 80% in 2000 to 66% in 2024, while registered Democrats saw a steep decline from 70% in 2000 to a mere 15% in 2024.
These shifts are alarming, yet they paint only part of the picture. A disheartening 52% of women now hold unfavorable views of the Court, alongside 61% of African Americans and 50% of Hispanic Americans.
In stark contrast, only 52% of men and 50% of white Americans express approval, signaling a troubling trend of disenfranchisement among marginalized groups.
The roots of this erosion of faith run deep, exacerbated by recent rulings that appear to cater to a conservative agenda rather than uphold the principles of justice for all. A series of decisions have unveiled the Court’s drift away from its mission to protect civil liberties, instead prioritizing ideological biases and partisan interests.
Supreme Court takes more decisive role in politics
The overturning of Roe v. Wade stands as a frightening reminder of this trajectory, where data shows that after the ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, disapproval of the Court surged across racial and ethnic groups with 55% of whites, 67% of African Americans, 56% of Hispanics, and 72% of Asians expressing strong disapproval with the high Court.
In a democracy that prides itself on equality, how can the Supreme Court justify its actions when it stands opposed to the very essence of civil rights?
The recent ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard serves as another stark illustration. The Court’s decision to eliminate affirmative action in college admissions not only disregards the historical context of systemic racism but actively perpetuates it.
Public polling indicates that 57% of Americans support affirmative action, a sentiment echoed by a resounding 63% who believe race should be considered in admissions. Yet, the Court’s ruling denies the lived experiences of countless individuals who have faced barriers due to their race.
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Court diminishes rights for Americans
Adding to the dire situation, the Shelby County v. Holder decision has laid the groundwork for a resurgence of voter suppression.
By dismantling critical protections against racial discrimination in voting, the Court has allowed a cascade of laws to emerge in numerous states, effectively making it more difficult for African Americans and other marginalized communities to participate in the electoral process.
This trajectory of disenfranchisement is not just a legal issue; it is a profound moral failing that echoes throughout our democracy.
Ethical lapses among justices further cloud the Court’s credibility. The controversies surrounding Justice Clarence Thomas—particularly his acceptance of lavish gifts—have illuminated a disturbing decay within this once-revered institution.
What kind of judicial system allows its members to operate under a veil of ethical ambiguity? The answer is clear: a Court that has strayed far from its foundational principles, increasingly exhibiting behavior that mirrors partisan politics rather than impartial justice.
Court taking shots from the bench
In recent years, the Court has not merely interpreted the law; it has passed federal legislation from the bench, prioritizing the interests of corporations and the elite over the health and safety of the populace.
The dismantling of the Chevron doctrine, a crucial principle that guided regulatory oversight, has opened the floodgates for deregulation, potentially compromising the welfare of millions of Americans.
This shift from a guardian of public interest to a facilitator of corporate gain underscores a profound betrayal of the Court’s intended role.
Moreover, the Court’s handling of redistricting in South Carolina serves as another glaring example of its complicity in systemic racism. By allowing state legislatures to redraw electoral maps in a manner that disenfranchises African American voters, the Court has failed not only in its duty to uphold fair representation but has actively contributed to a culture of exclusion.
This is not merely a legal decision; it is a profound betrayal of the democratic ideals that America purports to uphold.
Supreme Court needs reform
As we reflect on the parallels between today’s climate and the civil rights struggles of the past, the urgency for reform becomes increasingly clear. The Supreme Court’s current composition and decisions must embody a commitment to justice and equality, particularly for the most vulnerable among us.
There is no constitutional mandate dictating the number of justices; history reveals that the number can and should adapt to the needs of society.
Yet, despite the growing demand for change, the path forward remains obscured. Activism has never been more crucial; it is not merely an option but an imperative. Without civic activism the wraith of this Supreme Court who perpetuates injustice is sure to devastate the equal rights for minorities and women.
What happens when the very institution tasked with protecting rights becomes a tool for oppression? The answer lies in the horrific reality that millions may find themselves stripped of their freedoms, living in a nation where the promise of equality and justice is but a distant memory.
The Supreme Court risks becoming a symbol of division rather than a beacon of justice, an outcome that would fundamentally undermine the foundational principles upon which our democracy stands.
Americans must act to reform Supreme Court
In the silence of this betrayal, we must ask ourselves: Who will rise to reclaim the narrative? Who will stand for those whose voices have been silenced?
The consequences of inaction are dire, as the fabric of democracy frays, leaving countless individuals to navigate a landscape of injustice without the protections they so desperately need.
As we enter this season of voting, we must confront and deal with the unsettling truth that the Supreme Court, in its current form, may very well become a monument to what once was—a grim reminder of a lost era when justice and equal rights were not afforded to minorities, and women.
But there is hope! We can begin to reclaim our freedom in the 2024 election by voting boldly and participating in civic activism.
About the Author
Dr. Bridgeforth writes as a political columnist for the Black Wall Street Times. He is a passionate advocate for justice and equality whose academic journey reflects a profound commitment to these ideals. With a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Catawba College, Dr. Bridgeforth began his quest to understand and address systemic inequalities. He furthered his expertise with a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from The University of Massachusetts-Amherst, followed by a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and Institutional Research from The University of Southern Mississippi.
Dr. Bridgeforth is deeply involved in organizations dedicated to empowerment and community service, including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and 100 Black Men of America. His columns provide insightful commentary on equal opportunity, social justice, economic equity, and higher education, driven by a sincere desire to amplify voices and champion the causes of those often marginalized.
Through his writing, Bridgeforth brings a blend of scholarly rigor and heartfelt advocacy, aiming to inspire change and foster a more just society for all.
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