Justice O’Connor Played Pivotal Role in Education Cases

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, whose retirement from the U.S. Supreme Court was announced July 1, has exerted a strong influence in numerous decisions affecting public education over the past 24 years.

Justice O’Connor, 75, the first woman on the nation’s highest court, has been the swing vote who completed the majorities on major decisions on private school vouchers, religion in the public schools, affirmative action in college admissions, and sex discrimination in education.

Though viewed variously as a moderate or a conservative, she was renowned for crafting subtle legal opinions that broadened the middle...