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Feminism Club Leads Panel on Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the Vacancy in the Supreme Court
St. Luke's Feminism Club held a panel discussion on the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the events surrounding the nomination for a new Supreme Court Justice. The panel covered topics on Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy, what a vacancy in the Supreme Court means, and the process for appointing a new Justice. Panelists included Ms. Anna Birinyi, Mr. Jason Haynes, Mr. Stephen Vehslage and special guest Lisa Beattie Frelinghuysen, who clerked for Justice Ginsburg in the 90s. This panel was moderated by Cessa Lewis ‘23, co-founder of the Feminism Club.
Cessa shares why hosting this panel discussion was important to her in the wake of RBG’s passing.
Friday evening after learning RBG passed away, I felt very unsettled and powerless. Almost immediately, President Trump posted his plan to find a replacement, and it seemed as though history was being written and decisions were being made about my future without my say.
Trying to make sense of a world without RBG made me feel hopeless. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a feminist hero, a champion of women and marginalized communities in this country. She was a force to be reckoned with. Seeing her on the news lifting weights with her personal trainer gave me strength. Knowing she occupied one of the most powerful positions in the country gave me a sense of security. She had our back. With RBG no longer in our corner, my biggest fear is that the laws that she defended – her life’s work – will be dismantled with the power shift on the Court.
I needed to channel my anger and grief, so when Mr. Haynes reached out to the Feminism Club to sponsor a panel that would make sense of what just happened, I jumped at the opportunity. It was the perfect message to send to the community that RBG’s death must be viewed as a catalyst for change, a wake-up call that no one can be on the sidelines right now. Being the moderator was such an honor, and listening to our special guest Ms. Frelinghuysen reflect on RBG’s dedication to the people she fought for and the profound impact she had on so many lives was beyond moving. Seeing students, teachers, and administrators come together to create a space and engage in a conversation that honors RBG is very telling of this community, and I feel very lucky to be a part of it. Teenagers are the next generation. This isn’t just another court appointment. It’s our future and something we can not take lightly. The best way to honor Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is to continue the fight for justice and equality.
Check out photos from the event and watch the recording from the panel discussion here.
The Feminism Club’s mission is to take meaningful action to move the St. Luke’s community forward through challenging dialogue, awareness, and empowerment. They strive to exist as an inclusive and dynamic space where students can stand with one another and build a community that fights for equality. Learn more about St. Luke’s Clubs and Activities.
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Cessa shares why hosting this panel discussion was important to her in the wake of RBG’s passing.
Friday evening after learning RBG passed away, I felt very unsettled and powerless. Almost immediately, President Trump posted his plan to find a replacement, and it seemed as though history was being written and decisions were being made about my future without my say.
Trying to make sense of a world without RBG made me feel hopeless. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a feminist hero, a champion of women and marginalized communities in this country. She was a force to be reckoned with. Seeing her on the news lifting weights with her personal trainer gave me strength. Knowing she occupied one of the most powerful positions in the country gave me a sense of security. She had our back. With RBG no longer in our corner, my biggest fear is that the laws that she defended – her life’s work – will be dismantled with the power shift on the Court.
I needed to channel my anger and grief, so when Mr. Haynes reached out to the Feminism Club to sponsor a panel that would make sense of what just happened, I jumped at the opportunity. It was the perfect message to send to the community that RBG’s death must be viewed as a catalyst for change, a wake-up call that no one can be on the sidelines right now. Being the moderator was such an honor, and listening to our special guest Ms. Frelinghuysen reflect on RBG’s dedication to the people she fought for and the profound impact she had on so many lives was beyond moving. Seeing students, teachers, and administrators come together to create a space and engage in a conversation that honors RBG is very telling of this community, and I feel very lucky to be a part of it. Teenagers are the next generation. This isn’t just another court appointment. It’s our future and something we can not take lightly. The best way to honor Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is to continue the fight for justice and equality.
Check out photos from the event and watch the recording from the panel discussion here.
The Feminism Club’s mission is to take meaningful action to move the St. Luke’s community forward through challenging dialogue, awareness, and empowerment. They strive to exist as an inclusive and dynamic space where students can stand with one another and build a community that fights for equality. Learn more about St. Luke’s Clubs and Activities.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
