19
October
2020
|
11:55 AM
America/Los_Angeles

CSUSM to Host Virtual Social Justice Symposium

Cal State San Marcos this week will host a two-day virtual conference focused on the ideals of activism and anti-racism.

The second annual Social Justice Symposium (SJS) will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the online platform Hopin. The free event is open to CSUSM students, faculty, staff and community members.

The theme of the SJS this year is “Activism can be the journey rather than the arrival,” based on the words of late American author and social activist Grace Lee Boggs. Participants will explore and challenge personal perceptions and social norms through experiential activities, individual reflections and group dialogues.

We look forward to our participants sharing space, time and energy with us to discuss pertinent discussions about the recent injustices throughout the United States. As a student, I value an institution that recognizes the need to discuss and create action-based solutions so we can do better for future generations,” said Daniela Carreon, a 2019 CSUSM alumna who is pursuing a master’s degree at the university, works for the Cross-Cultural Center, and is the lead organizer of the SJS.

“We hope the Social Justice Symposium bridges communities together to combat anti-Blackness, marginalization or other forms of violence and oppression. But more importantly, we hope our participants recognize their cause worth fighting for.”

The SJS is a collaboration of the Student Life Centers for Identity, Inclusion and Empowerment; the Office of Inclusive Excellence; the Student Leadership & Involvement Center; and Associated Students, Inc. 

Ranjeeta Basu, CSUSM’s interim chief diversity officer, will be the keynote speaker on the event’s first day, which will focus on race and racism. Martín Leyva, the coordinator of Project Rebound, will deliver the keynote on the second day, which revolves around advocacy and activism.

President Ellen Neufeldt will offer opening remarks addressing CSUSM’s efforts toward and commitment to being an anti-racist institution.

“The SJS aligns with CSUSM’s commitment to move forward in creating safe and brave spaces for open dialogue on combating racism,” said Floyd Lai, director of the Cross-Cultural Center. “By doing so, we aim to educate and empower our participants to engage in action-oriented work that leads to a more just society.”

To register for the symposium, go to http://bit.ly/registrationsjs. For more information, visit the SJS website.