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.
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.
If you witness or experience conduct that discriminates, stereotypes, marginalizes, excludes, harasses, or harms anyone in our community based on their identity (such as race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion), please report it to the Office for Social Justice & Advocacy. The elimination of discrimination on our campus begins with reporting. All members of the Roosevelt University community are entitled to dignity, equity, and respect, and any incident of bias or discrimination should be reported here.