Judge Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed by the United States Senate to serve in the Supreme Court by a narrow vote of 50-48 on October 6. Prior to this event, his name had been regarded with a great deal of controversy due to a woman named Christine Blasey Ford, who came forward with sexual assault allegations against him. She claimed the sexual assault happened when the two were at a high school party high school in 1982 when she was 15 and he was 17. Two other women, Julie Swetnick and Deborah Ramirez, later stepped forward claiming to have been sexually assaulted by Kavanaugh, in high school and college respectively.

Since Kavanaugh’s confirmation, the Supreme Court unofficially holds a conservative majority. America, in these past several years, has progressively become more liberal. It has taken a long time for people to get the rights they deserve–for instance, gay marriage has only recently become legalized in all 50 states in 2015. Many rights of marginalized groups in society, such as members of the LGBT community, may be made vulnerable by having the Supreme Court side with conservative ideals. Having a conservative majority may also raise question to issues like abortion, gun control, immigration, environmental protection laws, and equal pay.

Ideally, there shouldn’t not be any conservatives on the Supreme Court because that is impractical. There needs to be a balance because America is comprised of different people with different beliefs; it is important that everyone is receive equal representation. Having a more balanced Supreme Court of liberal and conservatives better reflects the political attitudes of America and can ensure that citizens are equally represented. The country still needs to grow, expand, and keep up with the different changes.

The Senate’s vote confirmation of Kavanaugh as a Supreme Court justice sent a negative message towards women and sexual assault victims. It shows that men are still in power and discourages other victims to come forward. Furthermore, women will have even more reason to believe that their story does not matter. In the midst of the #MeToo movement, men and women alike, have only now become comfortable with speaking out, but the confirmation moved our nation a step backwards, negating the welcoming attitude being built. The President also mocked Dr. Ford at a rally in Mississippi by making fun of her answers. Men in power mocking people who choose to come forward and acting disrespectfully is disgusting and shows their uncivilized character. Dr. Ford, women, and men who have come forward with their stories or even those who have not told anyone about their traumatic experiences, are brave and do not deserve to be mocked, embarrassed, or made fun of.

Ultimately, everyone has differing opinions, but what is most important is to stay respectful and be accepting of others. We do not agree on everything, but people need to know that not everyone will, something that is so easily forgotten nowadays.