Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court threatens minority rights

Gabriella Capalbo/ Contributing Writer

Christine Blasey Ford should not be a name remembered only by women. 

On Thursday, Sept. 27, testimony was heard to determine the validity of the accusation of sexual assault against Brett Kavanaugh, who was up for a seat in the Supreme Court.

In a short time, this case became a topic of discussion nationwide. With an administration known for its ability to reverse the story and self-prosecute, many wondered what would come of this trial.

This case would ultimately show where our elected officials stand when accusations like these arise.

Would they protect the voices of women or stay safe in their already male-centered worlds?

Dr. Ford, a professor of psychology at Palo Alto University and a research psychologist at the Stanford University School of Medicine, came forward.

With little to gain and much to lose, Dr. Ford went in front of the world and the judiciary committee under oath to share her truth and relive a trauma most people try their hardest to forget.

With poise, courage and conviction, her testimony spoke to many women who were victims of sexual assault. Her story came with a message for women to speak up, even if powers against you say you shouldn’t.

The other sides rage-filled reaction was no surprise.

Kavanaugh, who had no such poise, gave a testimony filled with self-pity. It was accompanied by shock that allegations like these would keep him from a job he most likely saw as his for the taking, based purely on his status, sparkling resume and white male privilege.

There was no remorse or understanding of the magnitude of the accusations.

Instead, at some points he looked as though he could not control his anger. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, Kavanaugh was confirmed to the Supreme Court after a short FBI investigation that could neither prove or deny Kavanaugh’s innocence.

A loss not only for women but for our nation, who seems to be more divided than ever before.

The dark cloud looms over the current administration with people doubting the system to be equal and for the people.

Kavanaugh took the seat from Anthony Kennedy, whose judicial opinions were usually swing votes.

With him leaving, so does moderation. Now with more Republicans in power since the Great Depression, many laws and legislation that protect women’s rights, immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community can all suffer severe consequences.

Kavanaugh has been known to hold strong views of women’s rights, presenting himself during his confirmation hearings as a man who wants nothing but to “protect women,” but who paradoxically wants to take away a right that should not be anyone else’s but her own.

Cases are waiting to be called up to overturn Roe v. Wade, which gave women the right to access abortions. Kavanaugh has publicly shown doubts and frustrations toward Roe. Also, he has stated that birth control is an “ abortion-inducing drug.”

In a time when women have been more determined than ever to get the same rights as men, those efforts could take a crushing step back.

Additional cases that may be called up in the next term include the Dreamers ability to stay in the country, LGBTQ+ peoples right to cite discrimination when overlooked for a job or fired for their sexual orientation.

Another huge issue being debated in media after the deadly Parkland shooting is gun control. Kavanaugh was part of the many who voted against Washington D.C’s regulations on gun registration laws and its ban on semi-automatic weapons. He is more likely to support expanding access to guns and gun ownership.

Even though many of these cases have not been picked up by the Supreme Court, based on Kavanaugh’s political views and the views of the majority in the court, the potential backlash to his nomination falls on women, immigrants, LGBTQ+ communities and many other oppressed populations.

The rights of the underrepresented populations are the ones held in the crossfire, losing their rights to education, free choice and safety in society. Justice Brett Kavanaugh will now be able to regulate and dictate what’s next for Americans.

The fight is not over, the midterm election on Nov. 6 will give people the chance to vote for our rights and make the government work for us, and not the other way around.

It is the single most important election for our generation that will determine the status of our legislation and future as a nation.

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The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

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