After a long battle with cancer, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away at her home on Sept. 18 at the age of 87.  Ginsburg died of complications from her pancreatic cancer, which she suffered from on and off for the last 11 years of her life.  People around the nation have been hit hard with this devastating loss, including staff and students at Downey.

Around the nation, many had strong reactions to the news of the death of Ginsburg.  English teacher Mrs. Roveri shares her reaction and some concerns she has about the vacancy of Ginsburg’s seat on the Supreme Court.

“I gasped, I was devastated. I was in shock for a little while,” Roveri said. “And I just sat with it for a while and really tried not to let the fear creep in of what can happen now to women’s rights, but instead really reflect and be grateful for who she was and what she did for women.”

Roveri also shares how she was impacted by Ginsburg, and how she appreciates all the efforts Ginsburg made to make sure all voices were heard. 

“It’s almost a metaphor, into someone that can be so small and so petite and soft-spoken could have so much power, and can be a power for good and for improving people’s lives and equality.”  Roveri said. “So it’s really inspirational for me to think that I don’t need to be the loudest person in the room in order to make a difference.” 

Ginsburg was seen as a face of hope to many minority groups who are also distressed about what can happen in regards to their rights, like people of color and people in the LGBTQ+ community. 

Junior Jackson Zowada gives insight on how there is a lot of worry within the LGBTQ+ community and how others also fear that their rights that Justice Ginsburg helped fight for will be taken away.

“Now that she’s passed away, I fear for my right to marry who I wish. I’m worried that the Supreme Court will now be swayed in favor of conservatives,” Zowada said.  “Meaning that a lot of important rights such as women being allowed to get abortions or gay people getting married will now be in danger.”

So many people saw her as a voice for those who felt unheard and admired her because of how she presented herself in her job.  She fought for all citizens to have a right to equality within society, and those who were discriminated against finally felt like they were getting the fairness they deserved. There is a great amount of respect and gratitude for Ginsburg, and sophomore Daniel Aguilera shares his thoughts about her. 

“To me, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was such a powerful and inspirational woman, and I always saw her as an advocate for gender equality,” Aguilera said.  “She was amazing, especially since she held such a prestigious position in our government.” 

 During an interview with NBC in 2015, Ginsburg once said that she would like to be remembered as “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.” People will remember her as someone who used her power for good and helped shape the ongoing fight for equality around the world.