Hundreds of people demonstrated in New York City on Oct. 1 to say “no” to the appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. The determined mostly young crowd, assembled on a few days notice, barreled through midtown during rush hour, taking the streets whenever they could, behind a banner reading “No justice, no seat!”
This is only one activity opposing Kavanaugh’s nomination planned for this city, as a indignation and outrage at rape culture and blatant sexism is being raised in the streets, in workplaces, and on campuses across the country.
The crowd was mostly women. Most of the signs carried were home-made, with slogans indicating that they believe Christine Ford, and also Anita Hill, who courageously blazed the way when she accused Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment in 1991. Men made up about a third of the protesters. Many held signs that said “Trust women.” One man carried his daughter on his shoulders brandishing a poster board saying “Vote no!”
Other signs in the march called for defending abortion rights and stopping the war against women. One women’s sign detailed how she, too, had been sexually assaulted by a drunk man who was never punished. Other signs read: “It’s not just Kavanaugh,” “Believe survivors,” “Stop rape culture,” and “Me too.”
Chants included “Kavanaugh has got to go,” and “Whatever we wear, wherever we go, yes means yes and no means no.”
Many passerbys joined in and marched for a while, or indicated their agreement.
The Party for Socialism and Liberation contributed a lively multi-national contingent of women and men and a working class perspective. At a short rally in front of the Yale Club, PSL speaker Sophia Roberts pointed out that, in addition to supporting and believing victims of rape and sexual assault and opposing the Kavanaugh nomination, it was also important to show solidarity with McDonald workers fighting sexual harassment, and with women farmworkers who face sexual harassment and sexual assault every day.
