The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh prides itself on providing an open and accepting atmosphere for everyone on campus.
Even so, there is always more that can be done to make sure its students and staff are aware of the social issues that exist in the Oshkosh community and beyond. UW Oshkosh is one of the several universities across the country that celebrates Social Justice Week from April 13-17.
Courtney Bauder, the director of the social justice minor at UWO, said that Social Justice Week is supported by the Office of Equity and Affirmative Action and co-sponsored by various departments and programs across the University.
“Social Justice Week is a week of events that helps to bring about awareness and facilitate meaningful dialogue about a wide variety of issues of discrimination, oppression, equity, freedom, sustainability, activism and civic engagement,” Bauder said. “This year’s theme is Local and Global Activism.”
The keynote speaker for Social Justice Week 2015 is internationally recognized author and activist Eboo Patel. Patel will be speaking in Albee Hall on Tuesday, April 14 from 7 until 8:30 p.m.
In his book, Acts of Faith, Patel explains how his Muslim faith, Indian heritage and American citizenship led him to found the Interfaith Youth Core in Chicago. Patel has also spoken at the TED conference, the Clinton Global Initiative and the Nobel Peace Prize forum.
“Patel fundamentally believes that young people can change the world. In his book, he talks about the fact that young people have always played a key role in social movements, UWO communication professor Jennifer Considine said. “Patel started Interfaith Youth Core in his early 20s and I think students will find his story both inspiring and challenging.”
Considine said that students play a central role in Social Justice Week and can even submit ideas for panels and lead sessions during the week. She said that Jennifer Meer, one of the students on her Interfaith Dialogue and Education Alliance, has played a major role in planning the events.
Meer, a junior psychology major, said although UW Oshkosh does have some students and faculty from different cultural and religious backgrounds, it is not a particularly diverse campus compared to other schools.
“It is very important for all of our students here at UWO to know about interfaith cooperation and how to actively participate in it so that we can end any negative stereotypes and make people from all religious and cultural backgrounds have a positive experience here at UWO,” Meer said. “This week will provide lots of opportunities for students to learn about all kinds of social issues and what part they can do to help.”
Aside from the keynote speech, Social Justice Week will offer several other events including an LGBTQ Ally March and Stand Up Titans, a bystander intervention workshop for sexual assault prevention.
A full calendar of all Social Justice Week events is available at uwosh.edu/go/socialjustice and will also be posted on flyers throughout campus.
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