In Memoriam: Notorious RBG

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By: Christiana Corporon

To be notorious is to be generally known and talked about. This was just one of the many words used to describe the fearless Ruth Bader Ginsburg. After being nominated to the Supreme Court in 1993, Ginsburg proved to be a powerhouse both in and out of the court.

Perhaps Chief Justice John Roberts summed it up perfectly in his tribute to his late colleague and friend, “Her voice in court and in our conference room was soft. But when she spoke, people listened,” Roberts said.

A pioneer of gender equality, RBG left behind a lasting legacy that has touched countless lives. From students to professors, the entire GW community is mourning the loss of a true feminist icon.

Women and Politics Professor Nicole Bartels has incorporated RBG into countless lectures.

“I already have talked (about RBG) specifically this semester when we talked about whether or not it’s better to work within the system or to blow up the system. I really looked to RBG as a fine example of someone who if she had her way, probably would have blown up the system. But she realized strategically how to make change and it had to be incremental, but it would be lasting,” Bartels said.

In light of her passing, Bartels fully plans to continue to incorporate Ginsburg into her lectures, perhaps more than ever.

“When we talk about women in the judiciary again, I’m probably going to change the article that I usually read and do one of these more so tributes to RBG and just sort of look at her lasting legacy,” Bartels said.

For Professor Bartels, RBG was so much more than just a face in a textbook. Like so many other women, Bartels acknowledges many of her rights would not exist without Ginsburg. Bartels recalled her personal experience from her freshman year of college when DiscoverCard showed up on her campus to solicit college students to sign up for a credit card. While everyone was ecstatic to sign up and establish their own credit, without RBG, women would not have been able to do so.

“I think to myself, not that long before, women and I would not have had that opportunity. It’s little things like that. When I think about when I first bought a car and did that on my own, and could get a loan on my own.. Those are things that we so take for granted and those are the things RBG fought for and recognized that everyone should have access to this. ” Bartels said.

RBG was surely an inspiration to all, especially GW students. Sophomore Caroline Nystrum recalled Ginsburg’s admirable ability to use her voice even in unwelcoming environments.

“There’s a really good Shirley Chisholm quote and she said, ‘If they don’t give you a seat at the table bring a folding chair.’ I think that RBG absolutely embodied that… (she)brought her folding chair. I think that’s something we can all take from her. The world has changed so much since she was put on the Supreme Court and just in the past few years. But I think there’s still so many spaces where women have to bring their folding chair and I learned that from her.” Nystrum said.

Sophomore Abigail Cohen has had a framed photograph of The Notorious RBG hanging in her kitchen since her 18th birthday, coincidentally the year she became eligible to vote. This photo serves as a perfect tribute to the woman who inspired her to enter the pre-law track.

“As a woman who wants to go into law, it’s just really comforting to know that there have been women before me who have broken parts of the glass ceiling,” Cohen said. Ginsburg not only broke parts of the glass ceiling, she ultimately shattered it.

While words will never be adequate enough for a woman of such strength, Cohen did not hesitate when asked what the one thing she would have said to Ginsburg if given the opportunity.

“Thank you. Just thank you. Honestly, if I could just say one thing to her I would say thank you. She is just such a role model I can’t emphasize that enough.” Cohen said.

RBG was more than notorious. She was a fighter, even in her last days. We owe it to her to always remember, that there will only be enough women on the court “when there are nine.” -Ruth Bader Ginsburg