Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh delivered encouraging remarks to a gathering of conservative legal professionals and law students at the Federalist Society’s annual convention in Washington, D.C. on Thursday night. They emphasized the importance of standing firm on one’s beliefs and responding to opposition with both strength and grace.
Justice Barrett received applause when she addressed female law students, encouraging them to embrace their individuality and not feel pressured to conform. She highlighted that being a conservative woman in law school requires courage and independence, which she views as a form of true feminism—choosing freely one’s own path, whether it involves embracing conservatism, liberalism, having a large family, or making different life choices.
Reflecting on the tragic killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Barrett urged attendees to reject retaliation with hostility. She pointed to Erika Kirk’s example of forgiveness towards her husband’s assassin at his memorial service as a model of strength combined with grace.
Both Justices Barrett and Kavanaugh, appointed by former President Donald Trump, participated in a wide-ranging discussion moderated by U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden, also a Trump nominee. They spoke about the challenges faced by conservative students who find themselves marginalized amid predominantly liberal academic environments.
Kavanaugh referenced the late Justice Antonin Scalia as a mentor who exemplified backbone and fearlessness in standing up for one’s principles, especially when they were unpopular or met with heavy criticism.
The Federalist Society was founded in part to give a voice to conservative law students who often feel isolated among liberal peers and faculty. The event occurred the day after the Supreme Court heard arguments on a major case related to Trump’s tariffs. While Justices Barrett and Kavanaugh avoided direct references to Trump or ongoing related cases, their remarks underscored resilience and principled commitment in challenging environments.
