Simpson College will host its annual Justice Week from April 6 to April 10, which will have a series of events aimed at raising awareness about social injustice and encouraging students to get involved through education and advocacy.
Justice Week is a time when students, staff and organizations come together to connect ideas, while promoting meaningful conversations. The week will feature events led by 11 Simpson clubs and organizations.
“What I’m most excited about this year is that RLC is partnering with 11 different Simpson clubs and organizations to put on these amazing events and encourage dialogue about how to engage in acts of justice across difference,” the campus ministry associate and counseling services intern Tricia Williams said.
Throughout the week, students will have multiple opportunities to attend events, learn from others and take part in discussions about different social issues.
These events are planned to inform students and give them a chance to think about how they can make an impact in their own communities.
A key change this year is the renaming of the week’s final event.
Previously called “Event to End the Isms,” the event is now titled “Unite for Justice.” The new name is meant to highlight the idea of working together instead of focusing on division.
“We want to focus about how we can come together as a community to fight for what we believe in, rather than focusing on what we’re against,” Williams said.
Unite for Justice will take place on April 10 and will include opportunities for students to engage with causes they care about.
There will also be student speakers and food, including walking tacos and supplies for participants.
Participants who attend will then walk around campus and into the community to share their messages. This part of the event allows students to take what they have learned and turn it into action.
Junior Katie Harryman said Justice Week is an opportunity for students to get involved and learn more about issues that may not directly affect them.
“Justice Week is a time for Simpson to come together and focus on advocacy and awareness,” Harryman said. “I am very excited about the lineup of events, especially the Unite for Justice tabling and lunch on Friday, which will feature many on-campus and off-campus organizations.”
It’s encouraged for all students to attend at least one event, as Justice Week is for everyone, no matter what interests them.
“I would encourage all Simpson students to attend at least one Justice Week event because we all care about something, and it’s a great time to become educated on issues that impact other students or causes that students are passionate about,” Harryman said.
By bringing people together and encouraging conversations, organizers hope students leave the week feeling more informed and more willing to put what they’ve learned into practice.
