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.

Speaker addresses the audience from a podium as another person sits on stage listening

Guest speakers Sally Swarthout Wolf and Nancy Michaels discussed how the practice encourages community healing and reduces repeat offenses.

Portrait of Professional Diploma in Opera student, Benjamin Burney smiling and wearing a black collared shirt.

The Professional Diploma in Opera candidate is sharpening his professional tools to compete on a global stage.

Aldo Brown

The BSU president fosters community through Black Greek life and professional networking events on campus.

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