SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News)– Notorious RBG. A fighter for the race and gender equality. A justice and feminist icon. Ruth Bader Ginsburg died of pancreatic cancer this Friday at the age of 87.
As a litigator, Ginsburg led the U.S. Supreme Court to change how the American justice system viewed discrimination against women on the basis of sex.
In 1956, Ginsburg was one of only nine women at Harvard Law school. She then finished her studies at Columbia Law School whereupon graduating in 1959, she tied first in her class.
In 1972, Ginsburg founded the ACLU’s Women’s Rights Project after having experienced sex discrimination in the workplace multiple times. Head of Tully Center for Free Speech at Syracuse University, Roy Gutterman, explains that Ginsburg was a real visionary.
“When she created the division of the ACLU, she really helps put a number of legal issues on the map,” Gutterman said. “Gender equity and fairness were not things that many people were talking about 50 years ago.”
Central New York leaders expressed their condolences on statements at their websites or social media.
Despite being on opposite sides of the political spectrum, U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY), showed his respect to Justice Ginsburg by posting a statement on his website.
Tonight, our nation is deeply mourning the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. While we come from different parties, I have always admired and had the utmost respect for Justice Ginsburg.
— Rep. John Katko (@RepJohnKatko) September 19, 2020
Dana Balter, Katko’s Democratic opponent for New York’s 24th Congressional District, tweeted on Friday after Ginsburg’s passing.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
A champion of justice. A trailblazer. Inspiration and aspiration for generations of women and girls. Fierceness personified.
May she rest in power. May she rest in peace.
— Dana Balter for Congress (@dana_balter) September 19, 2020
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh also tweeted his reaction to the news.
RIP Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Thank you for your courage, your leadership, and your service.
— Ben Walsh (@BenWalsh44) September 18, 2020
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced plans to build a statue honoring Justice Ginsburg in her native home of Brooklyn. According to Cuomo’s website, he will appoint a commission to select an artist and undergo a location selection process.
“Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg selflessly pursued truth and justice in a world of division, giving voice to the voiceless and uplifting those who were pushed aside by forces of hate and indifference. As a lawyer, jurist, and professor, she redefined gender equity and civil rights and ensured America lived up to her founding ideals — she was a monumental figure of equality, and we can all agree that she deserves a monument in her honor,” Cuomo said.
