My mom was a teacher. In the 1960s and '70s, she taught history at two largely African American public high schools in Washington, D.C. - McKinley Tech and H.D. Woodson. Her example taught me the importance of equality for all Americans.

Brett Kavanaugh’s quote reflects on the profound influence his mother, a history teacher, had on shaping his understanding of equality. He notes that his mother taught at two largely African American public high schools in Washington, D.C.—McKinley Tech and H.D. Woodson—during the 1960s and 1970s, a time when the Civil Rights Movement was making significant strides. Through her work, Kavanaugh learned firsthand the importance of equality for all Americans, particularly in the context of racial equality and the efforts to overcome segregation and discrimination in the education system.

Kavanaugh’s reflection underscores how personal experience with diverse communities can shape one’s values. His mother’s role as a teacher in these predominantly African American schools likely exposed him to the challenges faced by Black students in a segregated society. Her dedication to teaching, particularly in an era when racial inequality was still prevalent, would have served as a powerful example of how education can be a tool for promoting equality and social change. The quote highlights the idea that equality isn’t just a principle to be taught—it is something to be lived and practiced in daily life.

By acknowledging his mother’s impact, Kavanaugh points to the lasting influence of educators who prioritize the importance of social justice. His own understanding of equality is framed through the lens of her work, which was not just about imparting knowledge, but also about instilling values of fairness and justice. Her example helped shape his broader views on American society and the ongoing struggle for equal rights for all individuals, regardless of race, background, or status.

The origin of this quote comes from Brett Kavanaugh, an American judge who served on the Supreme Court of the United States. Kavanaugh’s mention of his mother’s career as a teacher and her impact on his worldview provides a glimpse into his personal history and how his family shaped his perspective on issues like equality and justice. His mother’s role in educating students in an era of civil rights transformation gave him a unique appreciation for the importance of equal access to education and opportunity for all Americans.