Students Remember Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Upon the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Student Bar Association collected some statements from students in order to honor her memory.

black and white picture of Ruth Bader Ginsburg sitting on a sofa in 1972
Justice Ginsburg in 1972, when she was Professor Ginsburg, a professor at Columbia Law School. Photo credit: Librado Romero-The New York TImes.

Foley Van Lieshout, 3L
I think all women feel connected in some way to Justice Ginsburg. Reading her opinions, concurrences, and dissents, I always respected and admired her reasoning, even if I didn’t agree with it. To me, Justice Ginsburg was not “Notorious RBG”; she was a giant. She had so much power. She was larger than life.

Anonymous 2L
As Professor Oldfather put it in Con Law 1L year: it’s best to have a diverse set of chili recipes — not only one — all to make one great pot. RBG helped diversify the SCOTUS chili recipe in ways we never thought possible. Her contributions will be remembered forever.

Emilie Smith, 2L
RBG was an example of the woman, and lawyer, I hope to be – fierce, unwavering and determined. No matter one’s political leanings, she was an impressive woman who handled every obstacle in her life with grace and perseverance. Everyone – members of the legal field as well as citizens of this country – can learn a lot from her legacy. “Fight for the things that you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Zachary Lowe, 3L
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an absolute trailblazer not only in her field, but in the entire history of humanity. Her continuous push for equality and equity for the underrepresented will never be forgotten or fade away in time. Her memory will always live on in the spirit of those who push for a better present and future for those who are given less opportunities. Thank you, Justice Ginsburg, for always fighting, even until your final days. “Fight for the things that you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

Anonymous 2L
RBG deserved a lot better. She opened doors for millions of women that will in all likelihood be shut by an illegitimate successor just weeks before a presidential election.

Anonymous 2L
“My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.”

Ruth Bader Ginsburg sitting at a table during her confirmation hearings in 1993
Then-Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg at her confirmation hearings in the summer of 1993. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Anonymous 3L
“Throwing out preclearance when it has worked and is continuing to work to stop discriminatory changes is like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you’re not getting wet.” RBG stands for fighting the fight even when you’re starting to see results. We rise by lifting others and we keep them there with diligence. Don’t throw away your umbrellas people!

Anonymous 2L
I appreciate RBG’s contribution to my education in paving the way for me as a female law student to be here, learn, and be treated equal. My favorite RBG quote, that remains fitting every day, no matter the daily circumstances: “Fight for the things you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

Anonymous 2L
“It will be welcomed much more if you have a gentle touch than if you are aggressive.” “Don’t be distracted by emotions like anger, envy, resentment. These just zap energy and waste time.”

Anonymous 3L
I admire how Justice Ginsburg zealously fought for justice by embracing her femininity. Throughout her life, she advocated for positive change, and she did so by skillfully utilizing compassion and grace in her advocacy. May her memory be a blessing.

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