The late Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, was honored with the Dole Leadership Prize by the Robert Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas. Overcoming gender barriers imposed on law school graduates in the 1950s, O’Connor had faced rejections from prestigious law firms before being appointed by President Ronald Reagan.
Despite facing backlash due to abortion politics and gender bias, O’Connor was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate and served on the Supreme Court for 24 years. She was known for her role as a swing vote on a divided court and wrote over 600 opinions. She retired in 2006 and dedicated her post-retirement to the nonprofit iCivics, focusing on educating students in civics.
Her son, Scott O’Connor, accepted the prize on her behalf, highlighting her journey from a cattle ranch in the middle of nowhere to becoming a prominent figure in U.S. government. He emphasized the importance of her diverse life experiences in shaping her perspective on American life, contrasting it with modern federal judges who may lack similar backgrounds.
The Dole Leadership Prize recognized O’Connor’s service in all three branches of Arizona government, her contributions to the U.S. Supreme Court, and her commitment to civic engagement. Scott O’Connor spoke of her belief in the American institutions and the importance of working to make them function better. He stressed that O’Connor’s life story was a testament to the opportunities available in America for those who are qualified and passionate about public service.
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Photo credit kansasreflector.com