Quck answer
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an American jurist and the second woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice. She was born on March 15, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York. Ginsburg was known for her advocacy of gender equality and women’s rights. She played a significant role in advancing legal protections against sex discrimination and fought for equal rights throughout her career. Ginsburg served on the Supreme Court for 27 years until her death on September 18, 2020. Her contributions to the legal field and her dedication to justice have left a lasting impact on the United States.
What is your understanding of equality? Does it mean that your teacher treats every student equally in your class? Many individuals would define equality as the protection of civil rights, while others may view it as the guarantee of equal opportunities for all.
However, achieving true equality is a challenging task. Even today, people across the globe do not enjoy the same rights and opportunities. Nonetheless, there are individuals who dedicate their lives to fighting for equality. Today’s Wonder of the Day is centered around one such person – Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was born on March 15, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York. During her childhood, she regularly attended synagogue with her family and excelled in her studies. She later attended Cornell University and subsequently enrolled in Harvard Law School.
During her time at Harvard, Ginsburg was one of the only nine women in her class. At that time, it was still uncommon for women to pursue careers in law or related fields due to prevalent discrimination. Educational institutions and employers often rejected women solely based on their gender.
In her final year of law school, Ginsburg transferred from Harvard to Columbia University, where she graduated at the top of her class. However, she faced difficulties securing employment as a lawyer after graduation. Many law firms refused to even consider her for interviews because she was a woman.
This was not the first instance of workplace discrimination that Ginsburg encountered. Years earlier, when her husband Martin was drafted into the Army, she moved to Oklahoma and worked as a typist. However, she was fired when she became pregnant with her first child, as her employer believed that being a mother would negatively impact her work performance.
Even as a lawyer, Ginsburg faced significant challenges. Due to years of discrimination, there were very few women in the legal field. However, with support from a former professor, Ginsburg eventually found employment in New York, marking the beginning of an impressive career.
Having experienced discrimination firsthand, Ginsburg was determined to level the playing field for others. As a lawyer, she represented both men and women in cases related to gender equality and successfully argued six such cases before the Supreme Court.
Ginsburg continued fighting for equality throughout her life. She played a crucial role in establishing the Women’s Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Additionally, she became the first woman to hold a tenured professorship at Columbia Law School and advocated for LGBTQIA+ rights.
In 1980, Ginsburg was appointed as a judge in the U.S. Court of Appeals for Washington, D.C. Thirteen years later, President Bill Clinton nominated her for the Supreme Court. In August 1993, Ginsburg was confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 96-3, becoming the second woman to serve on the court.
As a Supreme Court Justice, Ginsburg played a significant role in numerous landmark rulings. She helped put an end to gender discrimination at the Virginia Military Institute and supported the court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage. Furthermore, she contributed to upholding certain provisions of the Affordable Care Act.
Ginsburg gained widespread recognition for her dissenting opinions on Supreme Court rulings. She expressed strong disagreement in her written dissents, particularly in cases involving gender pay discrimination and the court’s decision to strike down part of the Voting Rights Act. Her dissents often concluded with the phrase “I dissent.”
During her later years, Ginsburg became a well-known figure in popular culture. Many individuals admired her unwavering support for the rights of women and LGBTQIA+ Americans. As a result, she was given the nickname “Notorious RBG,” which was a clever play on the name of the late rapper, The Notorious B.I.G. Ginsburg’s likeness and her famous “dissent collar” were even sold as jewelry, artwork, t-shirts, and other merchandise.
On September 18, 2020, Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. Shortly after, she made history by becoming the first woman to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol. She is remembered by many as an exceptional lawyer, justice, and advocate for equality.
What can each of us do to promote equality for all individuals? It is crucial for everyone to contribute. Take the time today to discuss with a friend or family member ways in which we can make the world a more equal place.
Try It Out
Find an adult who can assist you in engaging with the activities below to continue learning!
- Examine these photographs depicting the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. What insights can you gain about RBG from these images? Which events do you believe had the most significant impact on her life? Discuss your thoughts with a friend or family member.
- Expand your knowledge about the U.S. Supreme Court. How does one become a member of the Supreme Court? Why is this role so significant? Share what you have learned with a friend or family member.
- Imagine that you have the opportunity to participate in the selection process for the next Supreme Court Justice. What three qualities or qualifications do you consider most important in an individual taking on this role? Why? Write a letter or email to a friend or family member explaining your ideas.
Sources of Wonder
- https://www.npr.org/2020/09/18/100306972/justice-ruth-bader-ginsburg-champion-of-gender-equality-dies-at-87 (accessed 29 Sept. 2020)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRlEFT-44Ik (accessed 29 Sept. 2020)
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ruth-Bader-Ginsburg (accessed 29 Sept. 2020)
- https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/ruth-bader-ginsburg (accessed 29 Sept. 2020)
FAQ
1. Who was Ruth Bader Ginsburg?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an American lawyer and jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. She was born on March 15, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York. Ginsburg was known for her work in advocating for gender equality and women’s rights. She played a significant role in shaping the law on gender discrimination through her groundbreaking legal advocacy and landmark Supreme Court cases.
2. What were Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s accomplishments?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg had numerous accomplishments throughout her career. She co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and successfully argued several landmark cases before the Supreme Court. Ginsburg also served as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit before being appointed to the Supreme Court in 1993. She became the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court and was known for her strong dissenting opinions, advocating for equal rights and social justice.
3. How did Ruth Bader Ginsburg impact gender equality?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg had a significant impact on gender equality through her legal work and rulings. She fought against gender-based discrimination and worked to dismantle laws that perpetuated gender stereotypes. Ginsburg played a crucial role in establishing legal precedents that protected women’s rights and advanced gender equality. Her work paved the way for numerous advancements in areas such as equal pay, reproductive rights, and access to education and employment opportunities for women.
4. What were some of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s notable Supreme Court cases?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was involved in several notable Supreme Court cases throughout her career. One of the most significant cases was the United States v. Virginia (1996), in which she wrote the majority opinion holding that the Virginia Military Institute’s male-only admissions policy violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Another landmark case was Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (2007), where Ginsburg dissented from the majority opinion and called for legislation to overturn a decision that limited the time frame in which employees could bring pay discrimination claims.
5. What is Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy is one of championing equality and justice. She tirelessly fought for women’s rights and made significant contributions to the legal and social landscape of the United States. Ginsburg’s work paved the way for a more inclusive society, and her rulings continue to shape the law and inspire future generations. Her determination, intellect, and commitment to justice have made her an iconic figure and a role model for many.
Leave a Reply