A pair of Yale University law professors has reportedly been advising female law students for years to focus on their ‘appearances’ when applying to clerk for Judge Brett Kavanaugh, according to Slate and The Guardian.
These reports come in light of the sexual assault accusation against Brett Kavanaugh by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, who alleges he assaulted her in high school. Dr. Ford has agreed to testify next week under fair negotiations, according to The New York Times.
Professors Amy Chua and Jed Rubenfeld, both vocal supporters of Brett Kavanaugh amid sexual assault allegations, reportedly informed female law students that it was ‘no accident’ Kavanaugh’s clerks looked like ‘models.’
Taking in today’s signs at #Yale #Law School on the way to my office… #Kavanaugh #metoo #chua #rubenfeld #harassment #gender #justice pic.twitter.com/jiV51dzq3P
— Dr. Emily Jane O’Dell (@emilyjodell) September 21, 2018
Both Chua and Rubenfeld, who are married, encouraged young female law students to look traditionally attractive when interviewing for a clerkship with Kavanaugh. Chua, known for her book “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother,” is regarded at Yale Law School as an essential asset to securing vital clerkships.
According to Slate, students often took Chua up on her advice—with one student reporting that Chua requested photos of her interview outfit. Another student claimed she was so uncomfortable with the process that she decided not to pursue the Kavanaugh clerkship.
Chua’s husband Rubenfeld, another Yale law professor, also told female students that Kavanaugh liked clerks with a “certain look.”
Yale Law School dean: Reports that a prominent professor at the school groomed female clerks for Judge Kavanaugh are “of enormous concern,” and anyone affected should come forward. https://t.co/K8lBzCq5E5
— NBC News (@NBCNews) September 21, 2018
Rubenfeld is currently the focus of an internal investigation at Yale Law School regarding accusations of ‘harassment’ and ‘inappropriate conduct’. He has denied the allegations.
Chua and Rubenfeld continue to support Kavanaugh throughout the investigation. The confirmation vote on Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination has been delayed as Dr. Ford has agreed to testify in front of the Senate Panel next week, pending FBI involvement.