Commentary: Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, a highly-respected California psychology professor, publicly shared her story of being physically and sexually assaulted by Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh:
During a gathering at a student’s house, Kavanaugh pushed her into a bedroom, locked the door, pinned her down — along with an accomplice — attempted to disrobe her, and placed his hand over her mouth. She feared that Kavanaugh was going to ‘inadvertently kill’ her. She managed to escape and fled.
The following is a statement by NEA President Lily Eskelsen García:
“Dr. Christine Blasey Ford has presented a credible and well substantiated account. She has nothing to gain by bravely coming forward to tell her story, knowing that she’ll be subjected to brutal, partisan attacks.
“The Senate has a moral obligation to take these allegations seriously and take action. Sexual assault is a heinous crime, and this allegation is directly relevant to determining Brett Kavanaugh’s character and fitness for a lifetime appointment to the highest court in the land. The vote cannot go forward until Kavanaugh and his past are thoroughly, fairly and publicly investigated. The hearing must be open and transparent.
“Our nation’s students — including those who have experienced sexual harassment and assault — are taking note of how the Senate collectively responds to these allegations. They have seen Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and the current administration work to undermine Title IX so that it’s harder for students who survive sexual assault, just as Professor Ford did, to come forward and report at the time of the incident or to receive educational and trauma support.
“We must tell survivors of sexual assault that they will be believed and supported — not smeared. And we must tell those who would engage in sexual assault that it is never acceptable and that there are consequences. This is not about politics. This is about doing what’s right. Our students are watching.”