Planned Parenthood Generation Action’s University of Idaho chapter hopes to add more resources for sexual assault survivors as Justice Brett Kavanaugh embarks in his first weeks as a United States Supreme Court Justice.
“I think Kavanaugh’s appointment further divided the two major political parties over something that should never have been political to being with,” said Laura Hannon, who recently joined the group. “It means the fight for civil and women’s rights just became more difficult.”
The chapter sent a video of messages from local survivors of sexual assault and harassment last week to the two senators representing Idaho, James Risch and Mike Crapo before the confirmation vote for Kavanaugh, who was accused of sexual assault by at least three women.
Hannon said the video, which the chapter declined to share a copy of with The Argonaut, included women sharing their stories and why they believe Kavanaugh should not be appointed to the Supreme Court.
The group hoped the video would provide the chapter a connection with Idaho senators face-to-face.
Hannon said contacting senators though email, phone or letters can often feel disjointed.
The national group aims to be a resource for educating all students on the importance of issues regarding women’s health involving local or national politics. The organization is a political advocacy group that boasts a “network of young organizers and activists across the country,” according to its website.Emily Carter, a Generation Action member who planned the first solidarity circle event last Thursday, said the group will continue to hold solidarity circles in support of survivors of sexual assault and harassment in hopes of fostering an ongoing safe space.“We will definitely be doing our best to support our campus community,” Carter said. “Kavanaugh’s nomination has put laws that are crucial to healthcare access, women’s rights and LGBTQ rights into jeopardy. Generation Action plans to encourage voting in the upcoming midterm elections and educate students on the importance of Roe v. Wade.”
Carter said the group also hopes it can help students understand and process what Kavanaugh’s confirmation might mean for future court cases and how to prepare should rights begin to be taken away.“We know that it is still important for us to be present and making our voices heard on campus,” said Beth Hoots, a group member. “We will continue to lobby for sex education, access to contraceptives and other health and safety issues for college students.”
Hoots said traditional Generation Action events, such as free condom Friday and tabling at the upcoming Coming Out Carnival and the Health and Recreation Fair, will continue.“It is especially crucial that our generation continues reaching out to our representatives as much as we can, so they know we do care, and we are invested in what happens in D.C.,” Hannon said.
Ellamae Burnell can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @EllamaeBurnell