I want an America where 'family values' live in our actions, not just in our speeches. Miss Hill receives two standing ovations during her acceptance speech, which focused on sexual harassment in the workplace. Afterward, she was mobbed by autograph seekers and other fans from the sold-out audience of 1,200 at the San Francisco Hilton. However, not every lawyer applauds Miss Hill's selection for the award. Some ABA members expressed concern that the award would be seen as a slap at Justice Thomas and an endorsement of Miss Hill's version of their relationship.
Many people are quite upset about it.
ABA President Talbot D'Alemberte says the award did not constitute an ABA endorsement of Miss Hill's testimony, noting that the honor was presented by the Women's Commission and not the ABA as a whole. Mr. D'Alemberte, who sat next to Mrs. Clinton during the presentation, also says that the ABA had asked Justice Thomas to participate on a panel, but that he refused. Members of the Women's Commission nevertheless were quick to side with Miss Hill. She said that Miss Hill did not receive an honorarium for her remarks. During the October 1991 Senate hearings Justice Thomas denied vehemently that he had harassed Miss Hill as her supervisor at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.