Remembering Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

The death of Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is momentous. A pioneer and tireless champion of gender equality, she overcame the obstacles of gender discrimination in her own life to advocate for and win basic rights for all women. The edifice of gender equality was built upon her legal arguments before the United States Supreme Court in the 1970s, arguing for the constitutional equality of women under the law. As a member of the Supreme Court she was a fierce defender of a wide range of civil liberties and rights, including the constitutional right to vote. 

Before her passing is overcome by the politics of the election and the battle over her replacement, we encourage all to take a long moment to celebrate Justice Ginsburg's remarkable lifetime of achievements and to reflect upon the lessons we might draw from her life and jurisprudence. The multitude of tributes from across the political spectrum speak to her accomplishments as well as to her joyful, gracious spirit.  

A living legend in her own time, the notorious R.B.G. seemed somehow invincible. Her passing, particularly in this political moment, undoubtedly has left many of us feeling uncertain and in in need of way to express both our sorrow over the loss of a legal icon and a shared debt gratitude. She fought the very end, and although her health failed, she never once faltered in her fearless service to the constitutional principles of freedom and equality.  

Justice Ginsburg once said that what gave her optimism about the future was young people "fired up" about the future of our country. She reminded us that "Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." Let us continue to follow in the benefit of Ruth's mighty footsteps. "Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you."