Activism Alert: Strike Against Kavanaugh

As the United States watched Kavanaugh’s first day unfold on Tuesday, October 9^th, law students were busy organizing a strike against Kavanaugh’s lifetime appointment. Grassroots activism led by Justine Medina, Alex Petkanas and Oren Kadosh, members of Brooklyn Law School’s National Lawyers Guild chapter, has resulted in over 20 schools across the country participating in the effort.

To our question, why are law students leading this strike, Medina responds:

“Law students are particularly situated to speak about this issue. We are privileged with access to legal knowledge that most people (sadly) don’t receive. Additionally, as the future creators and defenders of laws, we have proximity to power that even fewer have access to. Because of this, we have an obligation to advocate on behalf of legal norms we want to see (primary among them, a functioning democracy). More importantly, we advocate on behalf of communities who face harsh reprisals from the legal system when they stand alone against it.”

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, SAK released an open letter calling for action against Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court. SAK’s letter goes beyond Brett Kavanaugh’s sexual assault allegations, which captured news stories exclusively over the past few weeks, and points out Kavanaugh’s lies under oath and his troublesome stances on issues concerning communities of color and women.

Strike Against Kavanaugh specifically points out that Herrera v. Wyoming, set to come before the Supreme Court this term, is Kavanaugh’s first opportunity to rule against indigenous rights. The case is centered around the hunting rights of the Crow Tribes, a practice that is critical and integral to the tribe.

Strike Against Kavanaugh is endorsed  by law schools, law organizations and congressional candidates alike and all are encouraged to participate. The strike is set to occur at 2:15 PM EST on October 10, 2018 and last through October 12, 2018.

Their demand? That anyone seeking to be elected to Congress in November commit to impeaching Kavanaugh in the name of rule of law.

Follow the strike at @kavanaughstrike

More coverage of this strike coming soon. Information available here.