On Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, the Senate confirmed Brett Kavanaugh as the new Supreme Court Justice, which left many people angry and disappointed. It’s reasonable to say few like the idea of having a potential criminal seated in the highest court in the U.S.

Last summer, on July 9, 2018, Kavanaugh was nominated by President Donald Trump to fill the open position in the Supreme Court. The possibility of Kavanaugh being sworn-in with heinous accusations was shocking. Several women claimed he sexually assaulted them in the past.

At the swearing-in ceremony last Monday, President Trump was glad to dismiss attacks on Kavanaugh, claiming the allegations were “all made up.” President Trump’s stance is not surprising given his dismissal of women’s issues and the multiple accusations against him.

The most highly-reported case against Kavanaugh involved psychology professor Christine Blasey Ford. In September, Ford testified at the Senate, alleging that when the two were in high school, Kavanaugh pinned her down to a bed and proceeded to pursue unwanted sexual behaviors.

Disrespectful comments made by Kavanaugh’s supporters were a slap in the face for other sexual assault victims. Whether or not Kavanaugh is truly innocent, people should discuss the matter more civilly. Fear of backlash is the reason many victims stay quiet for so long.

The argument that there is not enough proof to charge Kavanaugh with a crime is debatable. People in similar or even worse predicaments such as VanDyke Perry and Gregory Counts, who were falsely accused of gang rape in 1992, served jail time based solely on allegations with absolutely no physical evidence.

What is especially alarming is that many people did not see anything wrong with appointing Kavanaugh to the position even after allegations emerged, showing a complete disregard for voices of sexual assault victims.

The similar alignment of the various women’s stories claiming Kavanaugh to have been drunk and forcing himself onto them speaks multitudes. Given the severity of these allegations, the Senate should have at the very least reconsidered Kavanaugh’s nomination.

This entire situation clearly illustrates how the U.S. government currently handles issues relating to sexual misconduct and assault. Our government should be equally concerned and precautious as citizens when it comes down to who they elect.