Supreme Court nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch insisted Tuesday he didn’t disparage women while teaching classes at the University of Colorado School of Law, rebutting a former student who said he made sexist remarks about lawyers and maternity leave.
“I would have never have said them,” Judge Gorsuch said. “I’d be delighted to actually clear this up.”
The issue arose earlier this week after a female student said the judge suggested women should be asked about family planning during job interviews to see if they would take advantage of company policies with regards to maternity leave and benefits.
However, another student has come forward denying that the judge made the alleged statements.
Sen. Richard Durbin, Illinois Democrat, asked the judge to clarify his remarks, and Judge Gorsuch denied the allegations.
The judge said that a textbook on ethics, a course he taught at the University of Colorado School of Law, presents a question for women about how to respond if a partner at a law firm asks a young woman if she plans to become pregnant during a job interview.
He said he asks the students the question, “How many of you have had questions like this asked of you in the employment environment?”
Judge Gorsuch described it as an “inappropriate question” from an employer.
“I knew this stuff happened when my mom was a young practicing lawyer,” Judge Gorsuch said. “I’m shocked it still happens every year that I get women — not men — raising their hand to that question.”
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.
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