I've always said that at the end of the day, on a legal issue, I think a wise old woman and a wise old man are going to reach the same conclusion.
Sandra Day O'ConnorRead
The unhappy persistence of both the practice and the lingering effects of racial discrimination ...is an unfortunate reality...and the government is not disqualified from acting in response to it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Racial discrimination remains a persistent issue that requires government action to address.
This quote reflects the enduring nature of racial discrimination and highlights the ongoing need for government intervention to combat its effects. Sandra Day O'Connor emphasizes that despite advancements, the repercussions of such discrimination continue to affect society, and it is the responsibility of the government to respond to these injustices.
Themes
Racial DiscriminationGovernment ActionSocial JusticeEqualityPersistence
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social justice, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for governmental involvement in combating discrimination.
More from Sandra Day O'Connor
All quotes βIn order to cultivate a set of leaders with legitimacy in the eyes of the citizenry, it is necessary that the path to leadership be visibly open to talented and qualified individuals of every race and ethnicity.
Sandra Day O'ConnorRead
In my work a good library is essential. It enables me to learn the background and previous discussions of the various issues I am called upon to decide. It provides the stability and continuity for the rule of law.
Sandra Day O'ConnorRead
The really expert riders of horses let the horse know immediately who is in control, but then they guide the horse with loose reins and very seldom use the spurs. So it was with our chief [William Rehnquist]. He guided us with loose reins and used the spurs only rarely to get us up to speed with our work.
Sandra Day O'ConnorRead
It is difficult to discern a serious threat to religious liberty from a room of silent, thoughtful schoolchildren.
Sandra Day O'ConnorRead
It was better for me when I was joined at the court by a second woman. When I was there alone, there was too much media focus on the one woman, and the minute we got another woman, that changed.
Sandra Day O'ConnorRead
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