O’Connor Played Key Role in School Cases

Retiring Justice Was Pivotal on Vouchers, Affirmative Action, Sex Discrimination

Retiring Justice Sandra Day O’Connor of the U.S. Supreme Court will leave a legacy of influence in decisions affecting public education over the past 24 years.

The first woman on the nation’s highest court, Justice O’Connor, 75, cast the pivotal votes that completed the high court’s majorities on major decisions on private school vouchers, religion in the public schools, affirmative action in college admissions, and sex discrimination in education. The court released her July 1 letter to President Bush in which she informed him that she plans to step down upon the confirmation of a successor.

Though viewed variously as a moderate or a conservative, Justice O’Connor has been renowned for crafting subtle legal opinions that broadened the middle...