Ilana Diamond Rovner, judge of the Seventh Circuit, recalls a time in her law student years at Georgetown Law School where she faced brazen sexism from her property professor. As part of a group of three female students who were sharing living quarters, the trio were seated in the front row on their first day of class.
The professor, known as Stetson, addressed the three directly, informing them that he had worn a black armband on the day women were admitted to the school, a symbol of mourning. He assured them not to worry, as he would never call on any of them in class. Rovner’s initial reaction was jubilation. Yet her friend instantly recognized the disadvantage of not being able to participate in discussions and asked her, “Why are you here?”
This detailed accountreflects the barriers Rovner and many other women faced while pursuing a legal degree in the 1960s. “We were viewed as outsiders. We were asked: ‘Why are you taking the place of a man? Did you come here to find a husband?” says Rovner. She was the first woman ever to be appointed to the Seventh Circuit and has stated that upon confirmation of her successor, she will take senior status.
This recount from Rovner provides insight into the historical discrimination women have faced in the field of law. It underscores the need for continued progress in diversity and gender equity in law and justice. Rovner’s experience bears a haunting resemblance to the similarly sexist challenges faced by Ruth Bader Ginsburg during her own law school years, as indicated in the meta description.