GHS Students and Their Views on Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett

GREENFIELD – With the controversial figure Amy Coney Barrett being confirmed to the Supreme Court for nearly a month now, students and faculty members at GHS voice their opinions on her policies and involvement in the courts.

Overall, the Supreme Court affects modern-day America by leaving lasting impressions on society and law even after a president leaves office. In the past eighty years, the court has legalized abortion, gay marriage, and desegregation that impacts every single citizen.

“Conservative changes could be coming to America, especially to the Affordable Care Act, which could take away the access to healthcare of some citizens in this country,” explained Tracy Creek, a history teacher here at GHS, in regard to ACB’s confirmation. “There are even cases right now that are close to be taken to the Supreme Court that deal with abortion rights.”

Some students have decided to share their concerns on the decision to have Barrett serve on the Supreme Court. Their main worries are her qualifications to serve as a justice, the possibility of the Democratic Party to “pack the court,” and the protection of rights for marginalized groups in America.

“I personally think that she is qualified for the position, she seems knowledgeable and well suited for the role,” said John Kolosewicz, a senior.

“From the little I've learned about her character, she seems alright,” agreed Alara O’Bryan. “I disagree with her politically on a variety of issues, but I respect her stances.”

While students mostly concur in Barrett’s qualification, the possibility for the Democratic Party to add more justices to the Supreme Court is another disputed issue. The last time this was attempted was during Franklin D. Rosevelt’s presidency in 1937. This was in order to receive more favorable outcomes in Supreme Court cases.

“Democrats absolutely should not pack the court. Under no circumstances,” advised O’Bryan. “To expand the courts now would be petty and setting a terrible precedent.”

“ACB’s misrepresentation [of women] is taking back the rights and freedoms of a majority of women she represents, which is worse than anything possible,” Autumn Bross, a senior, expressed. “However, packing the court is a dangerous way to get what one wants.”

The student body at Greenfield High School is diverse compared to other schools in the region. With a shift in the Supreme Court to a more conservative majority, marginalized communities are worried that some of their civil rights will be revoked. More specifically, those in the LGBTQ+ community are concerned about losing their rights to marriage.

“Oh yes, definitely rational. Likely? No, I don't think so,” O’Bryan responded when questioned about the rationality of this unease. “America is experiencing intense political strife, and as a minority, they're caught between it. However, considering the House and Presidency are both liberal, and ACB was put on the Supreme Court under dubious circumstances, I don't think she will get a lot done.”

“I do not think that the fears of marginalized groups are completely rational,” claimed Kolosewicz. “ From a purely constitutional standpoint they deserve their rights, and I believe ACB would not challenge that notion.”

“I think those marginalized communities have absolutely every right to fear for their safety and rights,” disagreed Bross. “They have never had it as easy as the rest of the people around them, and there are people in power who have every ability and inclination to try to change their rights because it doesn’t agree with how they perceive their religion to work.”

In Massachusetts, the repeal of gay marriage will likely not occur. Even if the Supreme Court rules on the federal level, it will not impact each state individually in the same way. For instance, since Massachusetts had pre-existing gay marriage state laws, they will not be impacted by a Supreme Court decision. However, a change on the federal level could harm the rights of not just students, but people in general of other states.