Social Justice by Lindy Wagner, Assistant Director of Residence Life, University Park

There are so many ways that people define social justice…understanding all persons have rights regardless of ethnic origin, gender, possessions, socioeconomic status, race, religion, etc…all persons should be treated with respect, equally, and without prejudice. One can only imagine the aspects of our own character that contribute to our own interpretation of social justice. All could debate for a long time what it means, but most will come to the general conclusion social justice is intended to create a sense of equality in all of society. Understanding all people have their own perspectives as to what social justice is and how one can become involved in the cause, Residence Life at SIUC is taking the call of social justice to heart.

This past year, Residence Life created a Social Justice committee. This committee chose multiple avenues in which staff, from Resident Assistant to Associate Director, could take part in various activities to promote social justice. The Social Justice Committee was responsible for the diversity training for Resident Assistant training in both fall and the spring semesters. In addition, for the Assistant Hall Director (AHD) and Hall Director (HD) training, the committee facilitated a book read of And Still We Rise by Miles Corwin. The book read assisted in the creation of a dialogue about our current student population and what we, as a staff, could do when working with them to help their experience be a high-quality and memorable one.

Outside of training, the committee provided opportunities for further development, such as progressive dinners and lunches. These meals provided opportunities for the AHDs and HDs to gather over meals and discuss current trends and topics relevant in our field. The committee also provided opportunities for the AHDs and HDs to get involved in the local community. In the fall semester, the committee provided opportunities for the staff to go to a local Humane Society and play with their dogs and cats and to participate in bell-ringing for the Salvation Army. During the spring semester, the staff helped a local build for Habitat for Humanity and serve meals at a local soup kitchen.

Overall, Residence Life at SIUC is truly about advocating and doing what we can to promote social justice in all we do. We are truly committed to the cause of social justice awareness.