Sonoma State University’s eighth annual Social Justice Week began on Monday and there are several events for students to attend as a way to get involved on campus. SSU is offering in-person and virtual events from April 4-8 for students to attend as a way to honor Social Justice Week and to educate themselves about the equality gaps that still persist. The theme for this year is “Empowerment Through Social Justice.”

Each day, there are about four to six events that students are able to attend to learn more about disabilities, prevention techniques and to ultimately learn how to build up the courage to stand up in times of injustice. It is emphasized that all are welcome and encouraged to attend. Social Justice week is aiming to present on a broad variety of topics so there is something for everyone. 

Social Justice Week kicked off on Monday with an opening ceremony. There was a performance by the Aztec dance group, Calpulli Tonalehqueh and a presentation by Yei Tochtli Mitlapilli on “Decolonizing and inter-generational healing as a justice practice”. Later that day, there was an in person bystander intervention training. Being a bystander is just as dangerous as being the perpetrator and in order to change the narrative, the SSU Title IX and Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation Compliance Investigation and Training Specialists gave a presentation.

An anonymus student said, “I have experienced a lot of discrimination and harassment based on my skin color and I am proud that my campus is putting on a week to educate people. I was excited to go to the by-stander training because I never want to be put in a situation where I don’t help someone and regret it later.” 

On Tuesday from 2:30-3:30 p.m., students can head up to the third floor balloons in the Student Center or attend via Zoom to learn about how neurodiversity relates to social justice. The Senior Disability Management Advisor, Christy Giambastiani will be the presenter. Neurodiversity refers to differences in socialization, learning, attention, mood and other cognitive functions. This seminar aims to further explain what neurodiversity means and how it applies to creating equality for everyone. 

Freshman Tayley Mitchell is looking forward to attending this event. Mitchell said, “I have never heard of a presentation on campus like this so I am very excited to listen to what they have to say. One of my close friends has ADHD and I think this will help me understand her experiences more.”

Another event offered this week is, “The role of systemic racism in journalism” presented by Otis R. Taylor Jr., the supervising senior editor of race and equity at KQED. This event is on Wednesday from 4-5 p.m. in the Student Center ballrooms and on Zoom. This presentation is going to touch on the reality of what is going on in journalism in our world today.

Sonoma State student Ricky Cruz said, “I’m excited to hear this social justice presentation. Systemic racism is something I have witnessed and learned about throughout my years of schooling and I’m interested to see what other ways racism has affected our society and social structures.” 

There will be many more events for students to attend throughout Social Justice Week, however these are just a few that students are excited about. Some events on Thursday and Friday include a presentation on sex and disability, a human trafficking presentation and a presenetation on understanding how privilege operates and impacts the classroom. Students can head to http://www.seawolfliving.com/featured?category=Social%20Justice%20Week to learn more about the events, dates and times. Students that are interested in attending via Zoom must register online.