The FBI has had a history of sex discrimination complaints brought against it, as well as race discrimination.

But I think it would be irresponsible for me not to say what I really believe in my heart to be true - that there are some serious inequities that we face as women and that we can work to address these inequities.

Testifying has helped me understand that one individual's behavior and actions make a difference. That my actions are important to people other than myself.

I no doubt have benefited from affirmative action programs, which looked at my race, gender, and background and determined whether I would be admitted. But I am not ashamed of this fact, nor do I apologize for it. Such programs provided me with the opportunity to prove myself, no more, no less. After admission, my success or failure would be determined by my efforts. I do not consider myself either more or less worthy than my colleagues in the same programs.

I became the messenger who had to be killed.

Most of us have everything we need to get through a crisis; we just have to tap into it.

I was aware, however, that telling at any point in my career could adversely affect my future career.

In July of 1983, I left Washington, DC area and have had minimal contact with Judge Clarence Thomas since.

But I think it would be irresponsible for me not to say what I really believe in my heart to be true – that there are some serious inequities that we face as women and that we can work to address these inequities.

You can’t always expect a certain result, but you can expect to do your best.