Arizona Lawmakers Reject Idea Of Statue Honoring Sandra Day O'Connor

Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor died on December 1, 2023.

She was 93 years old at the time of her passing.

After her recent death, she has received endless praised from many on her accomplishments during her time as a member of the high court.

She was the very first woman to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States.

Chief Justice John Roberts was one of the people who went out of their way to share their positive thoughts on O’Connor.

In fact, Roberts delivered O’Connor’s eulogy.

“A daughter of the American Southwest, Sandra Day O’Connor blazed an historic trail as our Nation’s first female Justice," he said.

Roberts went on, "She met that challenge with undaunted determination, indisputable ability, and engaging candor."

Upon her death, there was a proposal to erect a statue in O’Connor’s honor.

The statue would have been placed in the U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall.

However, the proposal has been shot down!

It turns out, being the first woman to serve in the SCOTUS is not enough of a reason to have a statue erected in your honor.

State Rep. Alexander Kolodin agrees with that sentiment and shared his controversial thoughts on the matter.

“We cannot allow the distinguished members of this body to have to suffer walking by such an undistinguished jurist when they enter here in the morning,” said Kolodin, despite the fact that the proposal was for a statue in D.C., not in the building that houses the Arizona legislature.

Kolodin was not alone in his opinions.

Rep. Neal Carter said that he believes “we should honor people, things and institutions for their merit, and not merely because they came from this state.”

So, thanks to the actions of state legislators, O’Connor’s statue will not be built, much to the disappointment of many.

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