Gettysburgians Walk Out In Support of Ford, Ramirez
Members of the Gettysburg community participate in nationwide walkout to support Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Deborah Ramirez, who have accused Judge Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault (Photo courtesy of Dr. Hakim Mohandas Amani Williams)
By Gauri Mangala, News Editor
On Monday, Sept. 24, members of the Gettysburg College community joined together shortly after 1:00 p.m. in front of Pennsylvania Hall to take part in “#BelieveSurvivors National Walkout and Moment of Solidarity” in support of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Deborah Ramirez, each of whom has recently come forward accusing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault.
The national walk-out was co-hosted by many organizations political and nonprofit organizations, including the Progressive Turnout Project and the Women’s March.
Late Sunday night, Dr. Hakim Williams, Director of Peace and Justice Studies, reached out to student leaders, hoping to hold a walk-out on campus. “I had seen the national walkout on Facebook some time ago and knew I wanted to do something on campus,” he said. “It wasn’t until after midnight that I sent an email to a few students and faculty to join me on Penn Hall Stairs. Then it was shared it I presume because many folks turned up. Despite the weather students, staff and faculty came out to stand in solidarity. It warmed my heart because deep down I know that when it matters, people will show up.”
Christina Noto ‘19 and Emma Dorshimer ‘19 were among the students that Williams had emailed. Noto and Dorshimer took to social media and emailing other groups for support of the plan. Groups like College Democrats, CPS, and outerspace showed their support and urged members to attend. “It was so exciting to see that that many people showed up in solidarity,” remarked Noto. “[That] demonstrates how powerful voices can be when they are together as a group.”
About 80 members of community posed for a picture, many dressed in black, joining the images around the country from concurrent satellite walkouts.
“I think the best part about this walkout is that we put the word out the night before, past midnight to be completely honest,” explained Dorshimer. “And there was a great turn out. I think that’s a reflection of the people on this campus and their values. When we’re talking about something that matters, people show up. People use their voice. And I can only hope that people continue to use their voice and continue to show support to survivors.”
