Ruth Bader Ginsburg died of pancreatic cancer on Sept. 18, 2020. She was 87 years old. Ginsburg was on the Supreme Court for over 27 years after being appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1993.

Ginsburg was an icon for gender equality and spent the majority of her lifetime fighting for it. 

“She led an amazing life,” said President Trump. “What else can you say? She was an amazing woman, whether you agree or not, she was an amazing woman who led an amazing life.”

In 1972, after witnessing Capt. Susan Struck of the United States Air Force be discharged because she was pregnant, Ginsburg wrote a brief arguing against immediate discharge due to pregnancy. This is known to be one of the beginning factors of Ginsburg’s fight for equality. 

“When I first heard, I was heartbroken and deeply sad to have lost such a national icon and someone who has fought for the rights of so many people,” said senior Alice Chatterjee.

She was the most prominent justice on the liberal side of the Supreme Court. She fought for votes on many controversial topics, such as abortion rights, healthcare, immigration and same-sex marriage. Ginsburg was nicknamed the “Notorious R.B.G.”

“Ruth Bader Ginsburg fought to the end, through her cancer, with unwavering faith in our democracy and its ideals,” said former President Barack Obama. “That’s how we remember her.”

She was the second woman to ever be appointed to the Supreme Court. The first was Sandra Day O’Connor, appointed by Ronald Reagan in 1981.

“Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy will be her dedication to the notion that women should be treated equally under the law and within society,” said AP United States History teacher Kristen Crews. “She encouraged and inspired women to advocate for themselves and to make sure that they have a ‘seat at the table.’”

Ginsburg’s passing shocked and scared millions of people across the nation. Many women have come out saying they are terrified as to what will happen to many of our rights.

“Our reproductive rights are on the line,” said U.S. Representative for New York’s 14th congressional district Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “Our labor rights are on the line. Our right to healthcare is on the line. Labor and union protections are on the line. Our climate is on the line.”

Ginsburg’s death was approximately seven weeks before the 2020 presidential election. Only a few days before her death, she told her granddaughter, Clara Spera, what many have dubbed her “dying wish.”

“My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new President is installed,” Ginsburg said. 

However, the same night as her passing, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a different statement, completely going against Ginsburg’s final request.

“President Trump’s nominee will receive a vote on the floor of the United States Senate,” McConnell said.

Controversy has sparked over whether or not President Trump should have the ability to appoint a nominee.

“But there is no doubt, let me be clear that the voters should pick the president and the president should pick the justice for the Senate to consider,” said presidential candidate Joe Biden.

Even with all the controversy and arguments after Ginsburg’s death taken into account, sadness still shines through as the main emotion America is feeling. Ginsburg fought for equality tirelessly throughout her entire career and leaves a legacy that will never be forgotten.