Statement on the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Our nation lost a legal powerhouse this weekend. Justice Ginsburg leaves behind a legacy of grace, principles and perseverance—to say she will be missed is an incredible understatement.

Through her position on our highest court Justice Ginsburg never wavered from her driving force to use one’s power in law to ensure social equity. She believed in justice and fairness for every American regardless of their race, gender, country of origin, sexual orientation and religion.  

A true force in law, Justice Ginsburg turned a century-and-half policy on its head at Virginia Military Institute, finally granting women the right to attend this state-funded school. She believed a woman—not the government—should be able to choose how to approach her body, including having the right to have an abortion. As a result of Justice Ginsburg’s voice on the groundbreaking Lilly Ledbetter case, workers today can now sue their employers when discriminated against and paid less based on gender. These few examples of her heft and social activism affect life for each of us today as we know it—our country is better because of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s pioneering ways as a woman in law.

While some might argue the law is not a place for social activism, Ginsburg didn’t listen to this noise, always rising above the critics to bring justice and equality for the American people. Simply put: Justice Ginsburg unapologetically changed the course of our history.

A honorable woman, Justice Ginsburg carried her strength and fight for the American people until her very end. May she rest in power.