Over 200 Alumni of Christine Blasey Ford’s High School Sign Letter of Support for Her Claims Against Kavanaugh

Over 200 alumni of the Holton-Arms school have signed a letter in support of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, who has come forward to accuse Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault. The campaign was spearheaded by Holton-Arms alum Sarah Burgess, who said “I know that in the coming days, her story will be scrutinized, and she will be accused of lying. However, I grew up hearing stories like hers, and believe her completely.”

Ford alleges that she was attacked by a drunken Kavanaugh at a high school party they both attended in the 80’s. Kavanaugh attended Georgetown Prep, a private school that often socialized with Holton-Arms (Supreme Court judge Neil Gorsuch is also an alum). Kavanaugh allegedly pinned her to the bed, groping her and trying to remove her clothing. Ford said that Kavanaugh covered her mouth with his hand, and turned the music up to drown out her screams. “I thought he might inadvertently kill me,” said Ford, “He was trying to attack me and remove my clothing.”

The letter reads, “We believe Dr. Blasey Ford and are grateful that she came forward to tell her story. It demands a thorough and independent investigation before the Senate can reasonably vote on Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to a lifetime seat on the nation’s highest court. Dr. Blasey Ford’s experience is all too consistent with stories we heard and lived while attending Holton. Many of us are survivors ourselves.”

17 of Ford’s classmates also signed and sent a letter to congress regarding Ford’s character, saying that they can “attest to her honesty, integrity, and intelligence; and to contend that her decision to provide information pertaining to a sexual assault is not a partisan act.”

Susanna Jones, the head of Holton-Arms School, also issued a statement of support saying, “In these cases, it is imperative that all voices are heard. As a school that empowers women to use their voices, we are proud of this alumna for using hers.”

In light of these allegations, the senate’s vote on Kavanaugh has been delayed. Blasey Ford is said to be testifying before the Senate on Monday.

(via Buzzfeed, image: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

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Chelsea Steiner

Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

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