She isn't called Notorious RBG for nothing. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an 83-year-old American hero, feminist icon, and an honorable Supreme Court Justice. She has spent the last 23 years as one of our country's smartest voices of law and reason on the highest court in the land.
Justice Ginsburg is one of the most influential and important women of our time, but not that many people are aware of the full impact she has had in shaping modern-day America. I consider her to be one of my greatest role models, and she inspires me to be a better woman and person every day.
Right from her appointment to the Supreme Court, Justice Ginsburg made it clear she would be an active and impactful Justice. In the landmark case, United States v. Virginia, Ginsburg had her first major opportunity to share her opinions and effect great change in a large way.
United States v. Virginia concerned the Virginia Military Institute's male-only admissions policy. Justice Ginsburg wrote the main Court Opinion, saying that because the VMI lacked "exceedingly persuasive justification" for its gender based discriminatory admissions policy, it was unconstitutional and violated the Fourteenth Amendment. She cemented herself as a strong advocate for women's rights and helped set a precedent to prevent institutions from engaging in gender based discrimination.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg came from humble beginnings, as a working-class girl from Brooklyn. Her determination and ambition led her to Cornell for undergrad and then Harvard and Columbia for Law School.
Ginsburg has discussed the intense sexism she faced early on in her career. At Harvard, she was one of eight woman in a class of over 500. At just 5'1", she was often not respected and valued for her intellect and mastery of the law. But not just anyone makes it to the highest court in the land. Ginsburg broke barriers and never let sexism keep her down for long.
Today, Justice Ginsburg is well known for her hand in the historic 2015 case, Obergefell v. Hodges, which made same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states. In this 5-4 majority ruling, Ginsburg was essential in establishing the legal precedent to maintain equality. She cemented her legacy as a true crusader for equal rights and for representing the interests of the people.
Justice Ginsburg has become a feminist icon and rallying cry for equality. She has spent her entire career working to help women and has never shied away from a challenge, or from voicing her opinions. And she has truly embraced her pop culture status. As Notorious RBG, she rocks harder than even Biggie.
I am inspired by her work and her dedication to the law and the American people. Justice Ginsburg is an incredible female role model, and I think everyone needs to be aware of and appreciate all the work she has done.
