Christine Blasey Ford Nominated For Courage Award By Rep Speier

PALO ALTO, CA -- U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier, D-San Mateo, nominated Palo Alto University professor Christine Blasey Ford for the annual John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.

Ford took to the limelight when she provided U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, accused newly-seated U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh of attempted rape decades ago. The incident became a public display when Ford appeared before the U.S. Senate to provide testimony of that account. The appearance, along with the pre- and post-hearing gatherings surrounding it, ignited the #MeToo Movement with rallies such as those in support of Ford in her Silicon Valley hometown.

"I am nominating Dr. Christine Blasey Ford for this year’s Profile in Courage Award because there is no one more deserving of this honor and distinction. She is the face of women speaking truth to power in the fight for equality. She is the face of every sexual assault survivor who has had to defend herself or himself when it is the perpetrator who should be on trial. She spoke for so many who have been robbed of justice. She is a hero of the highest caliber," Speier said.

The House representative went on to acknowledge Ford's undaunted level of courage despite suffering "ceaseless character assassination attempts, torment and abuse" and even "death threats." For her safety, Ford was forced to flee her home with her family, while "having to cope with the trauma of reliving that life-altering physical and emotional violation."

"Dr. Blasey Ford’s conviction in fulfilling her civic duty and doing what was right makes her a courageous role model for all Americans," the lawmaker added.

Phone calls to Palo Alto University spokeswoman Rebecca Levy were unreturned.

--Image courtesy of Andrew Harnik, Pool/Associated Press