Laura Wolk, the first blind women to serve as a law clerk on the U.S. Supreme Court testified before members of the senate Thursday, to show her support and appreciation for Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination. Her testimony was gripping.
Within 5 minutes, Wolk told the story of how she went on a journey from struggling to keep up with her classes at Notre Dame University, to being the first blind woman to serve as a law clerk of the U.S. Supreme Court due to the help of Judge Amy Coney Barett, her mentor at the time.
The University was not able to provide her the assistance that she needed with her blindness. “I needed help and I needed it fast,” she said.
In prepared testimony, Wolk spoke about Barrett’s kindness, compassion and honesty.
WATCH: Laura Wolk, the first blind women to serve as a law clerk on the U.S. Supreme Court, delivers testimony supporting Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Court. #SCOTUS #SCOTUShearing pic.twitter.com/AqoJL0gBl2
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“She sat silently, listening with deep attention as I explained my situation. She exuded calm and compassion, giving me the freedom to let down my guard and come apart,” Wolk said.
“As a disabled person, I am accustomed to acting as if I have everything under control… but in front of Judge Barett, I was able to let the masks slip and indeed to disappear completely.”
After quietly listening to Wolk’s concerns, Judge Barett replied, “Laura, this is no longer your problem, it is my problem.”
Wolk said that she does not know what Barrett did following the discussion, but the technological assistance she required “arrived promptly” shortly after.
“Those who have had the benefit of knowing Amy Coney Barrett understand that she possesses a boundless font of energy and a radical sense of love that she is ever ready to pour out upon those lucky enough to call her teacher, boss, family, and friend."
Laura Wolk added, “Judge Barrett will serve this country with distinction. Not only because her intellectual prowess but also because of her ability to treat everyone as an equal deserving of complete respect”