Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will speak at Bridges Auditorium on March 30.
In 1981, O’Connor became the first female member of the Supreme Court of the United States after being appointed by President Ronald Reagan to replace Justice Potter Stewart. Although her views tended toward the right, she gained a reputation for making decisions on a case-by-case basis. Her moderation allowed her to become a critical force in the court and has earned her widespread respect. She remained a prominent presence until she retired in January 2006.
In 2004, she published The Majesty of the Law: Reflections of a Supreme Court Justice, and in 2009 created http://www.OurCourts.org to provide a tool for teachers and students learning about civics and government.In August 2009, President Obama awarded O’Connor the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, for her service.
The event is being sponsored by the Broe family of Denver as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series. The family has collaborated with the Speaker’s Committee, led by Dean of Students Miriam Feldblum, for two years. The Committee hopes to turn the series into a long-term program. For 2010, Al Gore and Michael Pollan were also considered for the series, but O’Connor’s schedule was the most suitable.
More information on the event will be provided soon, and tickets will be available at no charge in early March. In addition to the lecture, several other events are planned for the occasion. The schedule may include student lunches with the justice, one or two classes related to women’s studies or politics, and a dinner following the lecture.
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