Social Justice and Advocacy

Building on Roosevelt University’s core values, historical origins, and best practices, the Office for Social Justice and Advocacy (SJA) will mobilize creative approaches to advise, support, and foster advocacy toward a cultural shift essential to social justice and the experiences of our community.

Our History

75 years ago, Roosevelt University was born when a visionary leader and 62 faculty members had the guts to go against the norms of exclusion in favor of inclusion. They went against the discriminatory practices of higher education in 1945. When asked to limit access because of race, religion and gender, they simply said, “We don’t count that way.” Our history is grounded in courage, acceptance and a commitment to social justice.

Our Present

Roosevelt’s institutional culture, mission, and current strategic plan stem from this commitment to social justice core values on which the university was founded.  The university has championed social and racial justice since its beginnings and continues in this spirit today.  Roosevelt’s view of justice is based in a belief that fairness, honesty, integrity, equity, and critical agency should resonate throughout every institution within a civil society.

Related News

Social justice and advocacy are constant themes throughout everything that happens at Roosevelt.  Browse our recent news stories for a glimpse into social justice and advocacy in action at the University.

Group of people sitting at tables listening to guest moderator, Dee Dee Waters at the Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil

Hosted by RU Proud, the event provided a space to honor the lives of transgender and gender-diverse individuals who have lost their lives to violence, while reaffirming the University’s commitment to equity and inclusion.

Portrait photo of Rashad Reed

“I want my professional career to uplift those underserved communities in Chicago first and foremost," he says. "And Roosevelt was the obvious choice for my goals.”

Video still image of Student Organization spotlight of ISA (Indian Student Association)

The group welcomes Roosevelt's thriving international student population to develop new connections and make Chicago their home.

If you witness or experience any bias and/or discrimination, please report it here

All community members of Roosevelt University are entitled to dignity, equity, and respect.

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Social Justice and Advocacy