Supreme Court Justice Sonia M. Sotomayor has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Radcliffe Medal, recognizing her transformative impact on society. The ceremony will take place on May 24, with acclaimed actress Rita Moreno providing a testimonial.
Supreme Court Justice Sonia M. Sotomayor to Receive 2024 Radcliffe Medal
( Credit to: Thecrimson )
Supreme Court Justice Sonia M. Sotomayor has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Radcliffe Medal, recognizing her transformative impact on society. The ceremony will take place on May 24, with acclaimed actress Rita Moreno providing a testimonial.
A Truly Deserving Recipient of the Radcliffe Medal
Radcliffe Institute Dean Tomiko Brown-Nagin expressed her belief that Justice Sonia Sotomayor is a truly deserving recipient of the Radcliffe Medal. The Radcliffe Medal is presented annually to an individual who has made a transformative impact on society.
Sotomayor will join an esteemed list of previous recipients, including former Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and Madeleine K. Albright, current Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen, and former Harvard President Drew Gilpin Faust. She is also the third woman who has served on the Supreme Court to receive this honor, following in the footsteps of Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
An Inspiring Journey to the Supreme Court
Sotomayor's journey to the Supreme Court is an inspiring one. She grew up in a low-income single-parent household in New York, the daughter of immigrants. Despite these challenges, she excelled academically, graduating summa cum laude from Princeton University in 1976 before attending Yale Law School.
Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2009 by former President Barack Obama, Sotomayor made history as the first Hispanic and third woman to serve on the nation's highest court. Throughout her career, she has established a reputation as a defender of the voiceless and marginalized in society, championing their rights and amplifying their voices. Her vigorous dissenting opinions have showcased her commitment to justice and fairness.
Defending Justice and Diversity
Interestingly, Sotomayor's dedication to justice also extends to defending her alma mater, Harvard University. In a dissenting opinion last year, she disagreed with the Supreme Court's ruling that declared Harvard's race-conscious admissions policy unconstitutional and limited affirmative action in college admissions. Sotomayor referenced Harvard's own report on the legacy of slavery, highlighting the institution's history of racism, discrimination, and the importance of diversity in education.
More recently, Sotomayor presided over the annual Ames Moot Court Competition at Harvard Law School, where she judged the arguments of mock appellate cases presented by students. This was not her first involvement with the competition, as she had previously served as a judge in 2018 and 2011.
The 2024 Radcliffe Medal: A Recognition of Remarkable Contributions
Justice Sonia M. Sotomayor's selection as the recipient of the 2024 Radcliffe Medal is a testament to her remarkable contributions to society and her unwavering commitment to justice. Her achievements and impact continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations.