CDR joins the country and the world in mourning the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020)

“My mother told me to be a lady and for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.” – Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

“Yesterday the world lost one of the greatest legal minds in our history. The Center for Disability Rights (CDR) is saddened and disheartened by the loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. We send our condolences to her family, friends and millions of people around the world who mourn the passing of this great woman.” – Bruce Darling President/CEO Center for Disability Rights

Justice Ginsburg dedicated her life both professionally and personally to protecting the civil and human rights of all people, especially women. In 1993 President Bill Clinton nominated her to the Supreme Court because of her long career of litigating multiple cases that cemented the protection of civil rights for many disenfranchised communities – women, LGBTQ, workforce etc. She became only the second woman to serve on the Court and she did so for 13yrs until her death Friday, September 18, 2020. Ginsburg provided rulings and dissents that are historic and will be used for many years in the work of protecting the rights of all.

When asked about Female Supreme Court Judges:

“When I’m sometimes asked when will there be enough [women on the supreme court]? And I say ‘When there are nine.’ People are shocked. But there’d been nine men, and nobody’s ever raised a question about that.” – Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Her legacy embodied justice and equity for all. Her respect for the law was exemplified in her reverence for human life and for people to be able to live the life they wanted without the barriers of oppression and all isms. This year the world has endured a pandemic that continues to infect and kill millions. We as a country have lost a number of civil rights leaders and it is CDR’s commitment to honor their legacies and continue their work. Justice Ginsburg proved that perseverance, kindness, courage, and love will continue to create a better world.

When asked how she wanted to be remembered:

“Someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability. And to help repair tears in her society, to make things a little better through the use of whatever ability she has. To do something, as my colleague David Souter would say, outside myself. ‘Cause I’ve gotten much more satisfaction for the things that I’ve done for which I was not paid.” – Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Rest in Power – Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and know that we will continue your work as a tribute to your life.