Justice Kavanaugh’s confirmation affects students

By Talullah Manghise,
BlueDevilHUB.com Editor–

Following one month of brutal confirmation hearings, Judge Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed to the Supreme Court on Oct. 6.

Kavanaugh, who was accused of sexual misconduct by three separate women during the confirmation process, continues to be the subject of much public scrutiny.

The issue is of particular importance to high school students, as the allegations levied against him date back to his own teenage years. There’s been much debate about whether or not Kavanaugh should face consequences from these alleged past actions.

The senate ruled that he should not, and Kavanaugh was officially sworn in after a historically close 50-48 vote.

“The votes on the issue were so clearly partisan and not based on fact and logic and what actually happened, but just based on what party a person belongs to, which really shows a breakdown of Republican tradition in our country,” politics club member and junior Ben Skinner said.

The subject of Kavanaugh’s confirmation has been a hot topic among Davis High students, and has served as the subject of discussion at a number of clubs, including politics club.

Skinner believes Kavanaugh’s confirmation sends the wrong message to adolescents everywhere.

“I think [Kavanaugh’s confirmation] just sends a message that what you do in high school doesn’t actually matter, which is really not a good message for high school age boys to have, that you can run around sexually assaulting people then not face repercussions […]” Skinner said. “It’s really kind of a disturbing message to be sending to high school students.”

Kavanaugh’s confirmation has also been considered in Feminism Club, where topics of abortion rights and sexual harassment are commonly discussed.

Junior feminism club member Kira Yonelinas is worried about future cases Kavanaugh will rule in that may affect women.

“Kavanaugh has been elected for an incredibly important position in our government that will affect many women. His behavior has shown us that he is not to be trusted nor does [he] have women’s interests and safety in mind,” she said.

This confirmation is also particularly important due to the impact it may have on the upcoming midterm elections, which will take place on Nov. 6.

“In a lot of close senate races, the Kavanaugh confirmation is getting out base Democrats and base Republicans, but more base Republicans means they’re more likely to [maintain control of] the Senate because the Senate has a lot more Republican incumbents,” senior Jack Walsh said.

On the other hand, Skinner believes the confirmation will galvanize Democratic voters.

“I feel [there] will definitely be some backlash against Republicans by predominantly women who wouldn’t have voted otherwise. [They] will be inspired to come out and vote because of this issue,” Skinner said.