HAWTHORNE, Calif. — Ruth Bader Ginsburg made a lasting impact on the country, as well as local Californian activists. One teenager said she was shocked when she heard the news and wanted to honor the Supreme Court justice.
Emma Martin created a petition to rename a local school after her.
“I’m shocked because I haven’t seen these comments. This is just amazing,” Martin said.
She did not expect the petition on change.org to get this much attention. Martin is fighting to change former Peter Burnett Elementary to Ruth Bader Ginsburg Elementary in honor of the Supreme Court justice. It almost reached the goal of 500 signatures and the comments of support were pouring in.
“My niece attends this school. She, along with all young ladies, can learn and be inspired by Ruth," Martin said as she read a comment left on the site.
Back in June, the 17-year-old started a protest that brought out 250 people and prompted the school to look for a new name in the first place, even blacking out the old one on the building.
“It was not great to name a school after someone that was so racist and sexist,” Martin said.
So, to honor Ruth Bader Ginsburg after her death, Martin felt this would be the perfect fit for the school, she said. As a woman, who is a member of the LGBTQ community, she looks up to RBG and her message. She feels the country wouldn’t be the same without her.
“She has done so many amazing things for women’s rights, women’s equality, LGBT rights. She’s an advocate for the people and she really just is an inspiration and role model for so many people out there,” Martin said.
RBG is a role model for Martin's activism. Being the second woman to become a Supreme Court justice, Martin said it taught her that no matter who you are or where you come from you can create change.
As she heads back to the school with her mom Elizabeth, she said she hopes this year's election brings change, even though at age 17 she cannot vote herself.
“It’s scary to think it’s in everyone else’s hands since I’m not old enough. But I am doing my part to make sure people do vote,” Martin said.
Martin said the school will hopefully decide on a new name soon with help from the community and that they will consider renaming it Ruth Bader Ginsburg Elementary.