Mourning the Loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

September 19, 2020

Dear Members of the Rutgers–New Brunswick Community,

Last night, like many of you, I was saddened to learn of the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Today, our nation mourns this trailblazer and former Rutgers Law Professor who led the legal campaign for gender equality.

Justice Ginsburg sat on the federal bench for fourty years. In 1993, she became the second woman ever to serve on the United Stated Supreme Court. Throughout that time she has continued to be a leading voice for gender equality, women’s interests, and civil rights and liberties. I’m reminded of a short film produced for Rutgers’ 250th anniversary, where Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (known to many as RBG) shares how Rutgers students in the late 1960’s sparked and aided her interest in gender discrimination and the law - a topic for the first case she argued before the U.S. Supreme Court.

As an educator and member of this university community, I was not at all surprised to learn that her trajectory as a pioneer for civil rights was launched at Rutgers. In this moment where injustices and inequalities are once again at the forefront, I have witnessed an awakening on the Banks as knowledge, courage, and compassion converge to challenge the status quo and reimagine what a beloved community looks like.

I sincerely hope that RBG’s legacy ignites our passion to help shape a more perfect union, and  that this commitment to equality and human rights becomes synonymous with the Rutgers–New Brunswick experience.

May the memory of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg be a blessing, and may we all be inspired by her brilliant life and legacy.

Warmly,

Christopher J. Molloy, Chancellor