Photo courtesy of junior Berlyn Ellsworth.

As the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is still fresh in the minds of students at San Luis Obispo High School, the Trump Administration has already begun their race to replace her liberal spot in the Supreme Court with a conservative replacement. Although this is not surprising for our current President to take action, this course towards a fallen legend has in some opinions crossed a line.

Expressions asked SLOHS Juniors Emma Stoudenmire and Ryan Schisler, about their feelings on our Government’s choice to replace RBG’s position, and about the hero herself.

Expressions: As a student at San Luis Obispo high school still unable to vote, how has this legendary woman affected how you view our government?

Junior Ryan Schisler: Ruth Bator Ginsburg as a whole has influenced my political standpoint as a sixteen year old immensely whether it be her stance on women’s rights and equality, the affordable care act (otherwise known now as Obama care), or her passing of Obergefell v. Hodges that made same sex marriage legal in all fifty states. RBG was truly an honorable figure and hero for not just the Democratic Party, but American people all in all.

Junior Emma Stoudenmire:i was finally able to fully trust one voice in our government knowing that she would advocate for my rights and make it her first priority. 

Expressions: What are your feelings towards President Donald Trump replacing Ruth Bader Ginsberg‘s chair on the supreme court despite Ginsberg‘s wish to not do so.

Schisler: Personally, I believe Donald Trump should have waited and listened to the American people for who they want essentially to take her place in the Supreme Court based on the 2020 Election results. The fact of the matter is that our president went so whole heartily towards replacing RBG in a snap, I believe tells us something about his true morals and motives as he still pertains to a seat in office. 

Stoudenmire: my feelings towards Donald Trump have never changed; it is apparent he fails to work for the American people and only works for the people that voted for him. With that being said, it is disappointing to see that he shows no sympathy or remorse for Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Her only wish was to wait until the election for a replacement and Trump failed to fulfill her wish by choosing a woman who advocates against everything RBG fought for.

Expressions: What do you think is the greatest difference Ruth Bader Ginsberg has made for the future of women in the US.

Schisler: Hands down Ruth Bator Ginsburg has done countless acts, progressing towards a future containing equality for women across our nation. Ginsburg worked her entire political career toward eliminating gender – based stereotyping all together. One example off the top of my head was in the year 1971, where she helped write Reed vs. Reed, a case argued before the Supreme Court that involves discrimination against women.

Stoudenmire: I think the biggest difference for the future of women in the United States will be our place in areas of power. she proved to people that women belong in places of power where decisions are being made.

Expressions: Finally, what is your favorite quote from Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

Stoudenmire: my favorite quote from her would have to be “I said on the equality side of it, that it is essential to a woman’s equality with man that she be the decision-maker, that her choice be controlling.”

Schisler: “Women will only have true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.”

If you are a SLOHS student, over 18, VOTE.