The Opperman Foundation Announces Cancellation of RBG Leadership Award Ceremony Following Family Backlash
The Opperman Foundation, an organization that honors individuals for their exceptional leadership and notable contributions to society, has announced the cancellation of its award ceremony scheduled for April 2024. The decision came after receiving criticism from the family of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, for whom the award is named.
Statement from the Foundation Chair
Julie Opperman, the chair of the Opperman Foundation, expressed her regret over any offense caused to the late justice’s family. She stated that their intention was solely to remember and honor Ginsburg’s legacy, but they had inadvertently offended her loved ones.
Recipients of the RBG Leadership Award
Last week, the foundation announced the recipients for this year’s “RBG Leadership” award, which previously went by the name “Ruth Bader Ginsburg Women in Leadership” award. The honorees included SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, conservative media mogul Rupert Murdoch, lifestyle icon Martha Stewart, actor Sylvester Stallone, and financier Michael Milken.
Family’s Opposition to the Choices
Ginsburg’s family members and a former clerk strongly urged the foundation to remove her name from the award, expressing their disapproval of Musk and Murdoch being honored. Her son, Jim Ginsburg, stated that the choices were a “desecration of my mother’s memory.”
Ginsburg’s Legacy and the Opperman Foundation
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a renowned liberal member of the US Supreme Court who passed away in 2020 at the age of 87, consistently championed progressive votes on significant social issues like abortion rights, same-sex marriage, and immigration. The Opperman Foundation aimed to broaden the pool of potential honorees to men and leaders from diverse fields in line with Ginsburg’s teachings on EQUALITY.
The Foundation’s Statement on Cancellation
Opperman stated that the foundation did not intend to create controversy or generate a debate about worthy honorees, as Ginsburg’s concept of EQUALITY for women was highly controversial during her lifetime. She emphasized that the Foundation values civility and does not wish to contribute to any debates.
Conclusion
The Opperman Foundation’s decision to cancel the award ceremony comes as a response to the family’s concerns regarding the choices of honorees. Their primary goal remains to remember and honor Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy, while avoiding controversy or creating debates.