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.

St. Clair Drake teaches an early class of Roosevelt students

As an anthropologist, sociologist and educator, his work at Roosevelt and beyond reshaped academic inquiry into race, class and urban life.

Alumni Sandra Boyd standing in front of a backdrop with Roosevelt Logo

The alumna (BA Mathematics, '63) fondly recalls supportive faculty, easy access to downtown Chicago and classes with pioneering faculty member St. Clair Drake.

Wabash and Auditorium from south

Nominations for prospective candidates to serve on Roosevelt University’s board of trustees are being accepted now through February 25, 2026

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