The life and legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: How RBG impacted CCHS students

BY NICOLE NADLER

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) was a court justice who affected millions with her Supreme Court decisions and dissents. Her words carried a lot of weight and she had a direct impact on the rights of women and members of the LGBTQ+ community through her legal standings. Following her recent passing on September 18, 2020, there has been an outpour of people nationwide remembering her accomplishments and giving thanks for all she has done.

“Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a powerful advocate for gender equality in the United States: her voice was heard,” junior Danielle Robins said. “She inspired me to fight for what I believe in because that is how positive change can be made. She’s an inspiration to all.”

Ruth Bader Ginsburg incited change for the rights of women. She became a female icon after overcoming adversity by her male counterparts in college, law school and even life after. 

“Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a powerful advocate for gender equality in the United States: her voice was heard.”

Junior Danielle Robins

Ginsburg’s accomplishments have given her recognition and she acquired a spot into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Since being a titan for her works with social justice, she has also been awarded the Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture. 

“RBG represents the hope of women in government,” senior Sabrina Rappoport said. “Ever since I’ve been a kid, I wanted to participate in government, and being able to see such an outstanding figure take charge was extremely inspiring.”

Obergefell v. Hodges is known as the Supreme Court case that legalized gay marriage. In brief terms, it was the case in which the Supreme Court ruled that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by both the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment in the United States Constitution. The case ended with a five to four ruling, meaning that it was only a single vote above not passing. 

RBG was one of the votes in support of same-sex marriage, thus showing her support for the LGBTQ+ community. 

“She was fully committed to achieving equality for all, she believed in my community and I fear a world without her.”

Senior William Barringer

“Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a strong, powerful and fierce woman of the Supreme Court who was loved by so many. Her endless support for the LGBTQ+ community will never go unnoticed, reminding us that love is love no matter who you are,” senior William Barringer said. “She was fully committed to achieving equality for all, she believed in my community and I fear a world without her. She will truly be missed.”

It is clear to see that she is admired around the community and that her works enacted change in others. Her passing is a tragedy that has affected many, including those within the CCHS community.

The Lariat staff remarks:

“Much can be said about who Ruth Bader Ginsburg was and whether or not she helped more people than she hurt. But when I think about RBG, I think about what she represented to so many young women like myself. She was not a perfect person or role model, but her massive impact on young girls, in particular, is so important. In a world where women are often not in positions of power, she held one of the most important and powerful seats in the American government; she showed us that “women belong in all places where decisions are made.”

Staff writer Elena Ashburn

Photo courtesy of Metrosource