Ohio Supreme Court Moves O'Connor's Portrait to Women's Exhibit

The portrait of Maureen O’Connor, Ohio’s first female Chief Justice, is set to become a cornerstone of a new “Women in the Law” exhibit. Recently relocated to the basement at the Ohio Supreme Court, this move comes following debates among the justices regarding its optimal placement. While some advocates feel O’Connor’s pioneering role and lasting contributions merit a more distinguished location, the decision was made two years post-retirement to shift her portrait from the notable Grand Concourse to the educational center’s basement. This new exhibit is slated for unveiling in the spring, according to a spokesperson for the Ohio Supreme Court.

In December 2022, a consensus was reached among judicial staff, three Democrats, and O’Connor herself that the portrait should reside in the main corridor on the first floor. This decision was a testament to O’Connor’s historical prominence, as she not only was the inaugural female chief justice but also held statewide office longer than any other woman. However, Republican Justices Sharon Kennedy, Pat DeWine, and Pat Fischer opposed this initial placement, contending that hurried choices about portrait locations could detract from the hall’s aesthetics. Despite being a lifelong Republican, O’Connor often sided with Democrats on heated redistricting disputes, creating tension within her party that led to threats of impeachment and her image’s removal from the Ohio Republican Party headquarters.

Former Justice Michael Donnelly, a Democrat, voiced support for keeping O’Connor’s portrait in the Grand Concourse on the first floor. He argued that, as Ohio’s pioneering female chief justice, her portrait deserved this recognition, noting her significant role in fostering legal advancement and judiciary independence across the state. Donnelly emphasized the absence of female representation in the hall, which might discourage aspiring women entering Ohio’s legal field. The Grand Concourse currently displays portraits of historical figures such as eight presidents, nine U.S. Supreme Court justices, two U.S. House speakers, and former Chief Justice Tom Moyer, who led both the building’s restoration and served for 23 years until his passing in 2010.

The court’s spokesperson explained that the relocation aims to highlight O’Connor’s impact while celebrating other groundbreaking Ohio women. This strategy is intended to generate enthusiasm for the designated section where her and others’ contributions will be commemorated.