She went to private school and eventually enrolled at Stanford University in 1946.
At the time, less than 4% of women had a college degree, perStatista.
“I was at the court in my chambers when the telephone rang.
‘Sandra, I’d like to announce your nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court tomorrow.
Is that all right with you?’
Well, now, that’s kind of a shock, wouldn’t you say?”
She served from 1981 to 2006.
Per theNational Women’s History Museum, she became known forher swing votes.
However, she still remained fiscally conservative and always voted in favor of protecting the Second Amendment.
I am among legions of women endeavoring to follow her lead," (viaThe New York Times).
leading her all the way to the Supreme Court," she wrote.
A force of nature whom John and I were lucky to call our friend."
Of course, O’Connor’s death was also noted by others besides politicians outside her home state.
Chuck Schumer, current Senate majority leader, wrote onX.
Susan Collins, a Republican senator from Maine, posted toX, in honor of O’Connor.
“She was a trailblazer and a role model for girls and women.
She exemplified excellence in public service,” she wrote.
She spoke about a focus on public service during her commencement speech in 2004 atStanford.
