The University of Idaho’s Planned Parenthood Generation Action hosted a solidarity circle event in support of sexual assault survivors Thursday as Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination looms.
The Senate approved Kavanaugh’s nomination for a cloture vote 51-49 Friday, with a full vote expected as soon as Saturday.
Adriana Vargas, who led the introduction at the solidarity circle, reminded all in attendance that “no means no” and “consent means consent.”
With over 25 survivors and supporters in attendance, many expressed gratitude at event planners for creating a safe space to share stories, as well as connecting people to others who understood their experiences. No one was required to speak or participate, but many sat in solidarity for all survivors. Pictures were not allowed.
The event took place in honor of Christine Blasey Ford, who testified Thursday about allegations that Kavanaugh assaulted her in high school. Vargas said the safe space was made to help cope with complex feelings and stand together in support of all survivors of the “traumatizing and upsetting treatment of Dr. Ford and the response from the Senate
Judiciary Committee. It is troublingly reminiscent of the treatment of Anita Hill at the hearing for Clarence Thomas.”
Those in attendance took turns reading different excerpts from the Kavanaugh hearings, and then talked in a large group about how the trial has affected them.
A few women in attendance shared stories of sexual assault they have experienced, and reflected on how the recent Kavanaugh trials has affected them.
Before splitting into smaller circles to discuss personal stories, Vargas read a statement prepared by Planned Parenthood. “Sexual assault is a violent abuse of power and survivors deserve to be respected and believed, yet we’ve seen our elected officials — adults we expect to be held to a higher standard — victim-blame, bully and dismiss the experiences of sexual assault survivors. We won’t stand for that behavior and we’re taking action,” Vargas read.
Laura Hannon, who recently joined the Generation Action Network, said the solidarity circle was meant to provide a safe space to confide in one another without fear of judgement or of not being believed.
A campus security officer spoke to attendees about the campus safe walk program to spread awareness on the safety program that runs 24/7, 365 days a year to walk students to and from anywhere on campus. Representatives from the Counseling and Testing Center, Women’s Center and Alternatives to Violence on the Palouse were present to take part in conversation and offer resources to those in attendance.
A video containing stories from women in attendance at the event will be sent to Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and James Risch before a vote is cast on whether or not Kavanaugh should be appointed to the supreme court.
“It’s probably hard for the senators to relate to constituents who are 20-year-old women,” Hannon said. She hopes the video will help bridge that divide.
One student who has not yet talked about her sexual assault said, “I haven’t reported it yet, but maybe if I’m ready to talk about it, it’s time.”
Ellamae Burnell can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @EllamaeBurnell.