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Today, students across the country have been sitting at the edge of their seats, anxiously awaiting the outcome of testimony that will have lasting impact on the lives of sexual assault survivors and perpetrators, and on the course of US history.
Christine Blasey Ford, the first woman to publicly come forward and accuse Supreme Court Justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault, stepped up to the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday morning to begin her testimony.
The hearings have spoken volumes in classrooms, including those at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, which took a break from its daily activities to watch the hearing live as “history is being made.”
Journalism professors at @merrillcollege are prioritizing viewing the #KavanaughHearings in class.
When I walked in, one professor noted: “We’re watching history today.” #MerrillMade pic.twitter.com/n7X5WRHucI
— Katie Bemb (@kbemb18) September 27, 2018
As Ford testifies, many students are speaking out in solidarity with Christine Blasey Ford and advocating greater support for sexual assault survivors, some using hashtags like #IBelieveSurvivors.
Why would Dr. Ford lie? Why would Dr. Ford lie? Why would Dr. Ford lie? Why would Dr. Ford lie? Why would Dr. Ford lie? WHY ON EARTH would Dr. Ford lie?
Death threats. Reputation on the line. Emotional trauma. Why would she lie?
She wouldn't. And she's not.#IBelieveSurvivors
— carol stanvers (@erin_graham17) September 27, 2018
Are we gonna talk about the fact that this isn't even a hearing for Dr. Ford to bring her rapist to justice in a court system but her sharing her traumatizing story…in the context of a job interview
— carol stanvers (@erin_graham17) September 27, 2018
While some support Ford’s testimony and stand with her, others–including President Trump and Republicans on the committee–question her credibility. They see a politically-motivated attempt to prevent the nomination based on recollections of events that occurred more than 30 years ago.
Even so, many women have come forth and said they’ve had to live with the impact of sexual assaults for their entire lives, and that there are many reasons why cases don’t get talked about for years after the fact.
the #KavanaughHearings are not something you should ignore, we’re talking about a sexual assaulter being given one of THE MOST powerful positions in the country, pay attention and realize that this will DIRECTLY affect you, it’s not something to turn a blind eye to
— mack! (@troyestruth) September 27, 2018
#WhyIDidntReport denial, shame, and fear. but i will report, becuase i’m sick of carrying the burden for something that’s not my fault. i deserve to be free and he deserves to be held accountable. 3 years is not too late to get my justice. no more silence!!!
— jess (@je551ca_) September 25, 2018
The Senate Judiciary Committee could decide whether to nominate Kavanaugh as early as Friday morning.