In January, our U.S. government announced a travel ban prohibiting people from 7 predominately Muslim countries from entering the U.S.A. I was not directly affected, but I felt the pain of discrimination set forth on marginalized members of our nation. I refused to sit back and watch a grave injustice take place.
I then took to the streets, and invited anyone else who wanted to join. While protesting, my fellow D18 classmates Sarah Chung, Samantha Ward, and I agreed it was time for TUSDM to have an organization that allowed our institution to explore and provide education on complex topics such as race, sexuality, politics, and religion. We are lucky to have a diverse institution, but with that comes the responsibility to provide the proper support needed to maintain an inclusive environment.
With the support and guidance of Dean Kasberg, Karen Alexander, Dr. Alan Epstein, Kathryn Dolan, and Nancy Marks, we are now able to present the Social Justice Alliance. Our founding executive board members are:
- D18s: Mikenah Vega, Spencer Nice, Samantha Ward, and Carly Martin
- D19: Britney Pulliam
- D20: Matthew Downes
The goal of this organization is to promote TUSDM’s commitment to the advancement of a society that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable. The Social Justice Alliance (SJA) will educate and demonstrate the appropriate practices to promote equity of all races, genders, religions, and sexualities in our daily lives. We will strive to teach members of our community to identify unjust situations and facilitate building a non-discriminatory community that partners with those who are denied adequate opportunities to succeed.
Our first general body meeting will be on April 18th, 12 PM in Rachel’s Amphitheater.
If you would like to participate in our upcoming events as we establish this new organization, please fill out this form: https://goo.gl/forms/0jnCvwv4lz9wynI12
Feel free to contact Mikenah Vega, D18 with any questions.
