After complications due to pancreatic cancer, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 87, passed away on September 18, 2020. Nicknamed “The Notorious RBG,” Ginsburg’s passing was a prominent experience for many, especially women and minorities. In the United States, Ginsburg was only the second female Supreme Court Justice to be appointed and served from 1993 until her recent death. Although her passing sparked many controversies over the open seat in the Supreme Court, one may say it is important to look back on her legacy and her accomplishments for United States citizens.
In her lifetime, Justice Ginsburg made a multitude of decisions on Supreme Court cases that sparked progression in women’s rights. According to Jacob Gershman of the Wall Street Journal, in the 1996 United States v. Virginia court case, Ginsburg helped to establish that the Virginia Military Institute must admit qualified women into its establishment when it previously would deny them. Due to decisions, Ginsburg helped to pass, many women have been touched by Ginsburg’s efforts to better women’s lives.
“She really helped to redefine the playing field for women,” Antioch Community High School teacher Sarah Ogborn said.
Similar to her work in women’s rights, Ginsburg frequently advocated for the rights of minority groups, notably in the case of Olmstead v. L.C. where she, along with her fellow Justices, focused on the mentally impaired.
Describing that people with mental impairments should receive government aid and support if they meet the qualifications, Justice Ginsburg ruled in favor of this decision. Olmstead v. L.C. was supported with the intention of limiting and recognizing discrimination in the workplace towards those with disabilities in the United States and was heavily regarded as a landmark case to improve the treatment of the mentally impaired. For those who may be passionate about civil rights, her fight did not go unnoticed.
“[Ruth Bader Ginsburg] will always serve as a role model for aspiring activists and politicians,” senior Ava Pratt said. “She was an example of the importance of doing what was right.”
Her legacy as an activist and Supreme Court Justice may remain at the forefront of American society for years to come. Being an influential woman in government, some agree that the recognition she had received during her lifetime was nothing short of justified.
“The nickname ‘the Notorious RBG’ lives up to her as a person,” history teacher Aleksandra Jarosz said. “[Ginsburg] was relentless, resilient, perseverent… she fought cancer time after time, while also fighting for justice and human rights.”
With her gender arguably causing obstacles in her field of work, many commended her strive for equality and equity. On the night of her death, admirers met on the Supreme Court steps to pay tribute to Ginsburg, and on September 23, 2020, her casket was honorably shown at the Supreme Court for viewing purposes. Ginsburg will be buried at the Arlington National Cemetery alongside her late husband, Martin Ginsburg, and 13 Supreme Court Justices.