Last week, the country lost an indefatigable champion of inclusion and equality. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg built her legacy waging battle against discrimination against women. Using a brilliant legal strategy that benefited men as well as women, Justice Ginsburg’s work helped to secure the right for women to open bank accounts and credit cards in their names, serve on juries, and attend state-funded schools. Her rejection of gender stereotypes in all contexts laid the foundation for the Supreme Court’s recognition of same-sex marriage and the extension of employment protections against sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination, which will benefit 11.3 million LGBT workers. She wasn't called "Notorious RBG" for nothing.
Even in losing, Justice Ginsburg’s powerful legal analysis and moral compass pointed the way toward progress. Her dissent in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber led Congress to pass—and President Obama to sign as the first law enacted during his presidency—a law ensuring that people subject to pay discrimination can challenge it whenever it occurs. And her dissent in the Shelby County voting rights case, in which the Supreme Court eviscerated protections against discriminatory voting systems, has helped fuel momentum to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.
There will be many tributes to Justice Ginsburg in the coming days and weeks. But I hope you can join me and colleagues from UCLA School of Law for one of our own. Tomorrow, Thursday, September 24, at 5pm PT/ 8pm ET we will hold an online discussion of the life and legacy of Justice Ginsburg. We will examine her transformative tenure on the Supreme Court, her tireless fight for equality, and what may be in store for the future Court.
Sincerely,
Jocelyn
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Celebrating the Life of a Legal Giant
