Al Franken: “today I note with sorrow the passing of one of America's great jurists, Judge Gerald W. Heaney. Judge Heaney died…”

“today I note with sorrow the passing of one of America's great jurists, Judge Gerald W. Heaney. Judge Heaney died Tuesday in Duluth, MN. Judge Heaney served with distinction and honor for 40 years on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. He played a leading role in enforcing Brown v. Board of Education by desegregating schools in, among other places, Kansas City, Omaha, and St. Louis. A giant of the law, Judge Heaney will be remembered as not only a brilliant jurist but a judge who helped make the promise of equality under the law a reality for many Americans. Judge Heaney received both a bachelor's and law degree from the University of Minnesota. During World War II, Judge Heaney served with distinction in the Army, landing on Omaha Beach on D-day and staying in Germany after the war to help reform local labor laws. After returning from the war, Judge Heaney practiced labor law for 20 years. He negotiated the contract that made Duluth public schools the first in the State to adopt equal pay for women. Judge Heaney's civic accomplishments before joining the Eighth Circuit are a testament to one of Minnesota's most public-spirited sons. He was instrumental in creating Duluth's Seaway Port Authority and the local public broadcasting station. He also served as a regent for the University of Minnesota and was a lifelong champion of the University of Minnesota Duluth.”