New York City Protesters Unite Against Kavanaugh

New Yorkers took to the street to protest the pending confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh.

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Julia McNeill

New Yorkers hit the streets this week to protest in support of Dr. Ford.

Jared Peraglia, Contributing Writer

The voices of over 1,000 protesters echoed from Madison Square Park to Vanderbilt Avenue Monday evening at the No Justice, No Seat: March Against Kavanaugh rally, chanting “We believe survivors! Whose court? Our court.”

Hosted by the New York City Democratic Socialists of America, the protest was a response to the wave of sexual assault allegations that came out against Judge Brett Kavanaugh last week.

“I’m here to make history,” said Tisch first-year Samantha Garcia said. “Today means a lot to me. If [Kavanaugh] does become a justice, everything can shift. If he is confirmed, a lot of landmark cases will be overturned.”

In response to Kavanaugh’s frequently highlighted Yale University education, the march traveled all the way to the Yale Club in Midtown. As the massive crowd arrived outside the Yale Club, police officers and building security blockaded the windows and entrances. Patrons inside the building were seen closing the curtains and shutters. Some Yale Club members were yelling back at the crowds that were waving signs and chanting.

“Fight, fight, fight! The women of the world unite!” crowds chanted.

Outrage was a common emotion Monday evening. New York City resident Nicole Cirino expressed her feelings throughout Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings last week.

“It’s been a nightmare of a week,” Cirino said. “It’s important to have a community to come together and just be angry in a productive way, instead of angry alone in my apartment.”

Protestors are worried that, if appointed, Kavanaugh will overturn Roe V. Wade — a landmark case decriminalizing abortion.

Outside the Yale Club, Cirino spoke to her fear of Kavanaugh being elected.

“I’ve had a hard time admitting [Kavanaugh will be confirmed] but it’s a large possibility,” Cirino said. “I think we’ll keep coming out to the streets and keep sending the message that we won’t tolerate this.”

Another New York resident, Nadiya Sivin-Kachala, also expressed her outrage.

“It’s ridiculously important as a woman to not let this be our America. It’s just ridiculous,” Sivin-Kachala said. “We need to show that this is not an acceptable way to be as a nation.”

Garcia was clear about what actions she would take if Kavanaugh is confirmed.

“I will keep marching. I will be seen. I will be heard.”

Correction, Oct. 3: A previous version of this article stated that it was solely building security blockaded the entrance to the Yale Club during the protest. It was in fact both police officers and building security who blocked protesters from the entrance.

Email Jared Peraglia at [email protected]