On Sept. 18, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away in her Washington home at the age of 87.
Ginsburg was known as a prominent activist for women’s inclusion and gender equality, and she possessed an active voice for underrepresented minorities. Her work as a Justice, as well as her work fighting for equality, resulted in her becoming a role model for many and led her to gain the renowned nickname of “The Notorious RBG.”
Dr. Gary Rose, Department Chair of Government, commented on some of her progressive movements for women.
“Her majority opinion allowing women to enter the Virginia Military Academy is regarded as one of her most far-reaching and important rulings.”
Along with this verdict, which ruled that the Virginia Military Academy would have to give up federal funding if they continued to refuse women, Ginsburg pushed to aid those who were being prosecuted in the court system. She voted repeatedly to limit capital punishment, and during her time, it was declared unconstitutional to execute the intellectually disabled, along with murderers under the age of 18.
Former President Bill Clinton, who appointed Ginsburg, said in an AP Newsroom article, “Her 27 years on the Court exceeded even my highest expectations.”
On Sept. 23, Ginsburg’s body laid at the top of the front steps of the Supreme Court Building for mourners to come and pay their respects. Two days later, she was moved to Statuary Hall to lie in state where members of Congress, highly ranked military officials, friends and family would come to pay their respects.
Among those who paid their respects was Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
AP reported that Kamala Harris told reporters, “She, first of all, made America see what leadership looks like–in the law, in terms of public service–and she broke so many barriers.”
Ginsburg is the first woman to receive this honor of lying in state, and she will be buried next to her husband later this week at Arlington Cemetery.
With election day quickly approaching, there has been tension over the nomination of a new Supreme Court Justice. President Trump plans to announce his nomination for Supreme Court Justice on Saturday, Sept. 27. Democratic nominee Joe Biden believes that the decision should not be made until after the election.
AP reported that Biden told reporters, “There is no doubt—let me be clear—that the voters should pick the president and the president should pick the justice for the Senate to consider.”
While these events unfold, Sacred Heart University students reflect upon Ginsburg’s legacy.
Sacred Heart’s senior class president, Alexandra Myers, considered Ginsburg’s impacts.
“Ruth is the one who inspired me to pursue a career in law, and she inspires me every day to push myself so that I can work to uphold the rights she fought so hard for.”
While students identified Ginsburg as a civil rights role model, Chief Justice John Roberts shared similar feelings and reflected on her lasting impact.
According to AP, Roberts said in a statement, “Our Nation has lost a jurist of historic stature. We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn, but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her—a tireless and resolute champion of justice.”
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
