Spring Break
Social Justice Series aims for intelligent talks
MUPC hosted program collects local experts, talent to tell stories for underrepresented
Jeanette Jamison
Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: News
In an attempt to broaden the spectrum of activities it provides students, the MUPC hosted a social justice series that took place each Wednesday of the winter term.
Caitlyn DeMars and Raphiel Carter, both MUPC directors, created the social justice series.
"Students see us doing concerts and helping out at the late night activities," Carter said. "We wanted to get more small programs going."
"We wanted a different genre of event than we typically do," DeMars said.
The series began on Feb. 20, featuring discussions held every Wednesday concerning social justice topics including human trafficking, sex trade and criminal justice.
Michelle Inderbitzin, an associate professor in the sociology department, spoke on criminal justice last Wednesday.
Inderbitzin also leads the Inside Out prison exchange program here at OSU.
Also speaking on the topic of criminal justice was Pam Cytrynbaum, a professor in the new media communications department and part of the Innocence Project. According to the Innocence Project's website, it is "dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted people… and reforming the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice."
It may be exhausting for students at OSU to think about the different social issues that arise on campus. Students are constantly made aware of current issues through fliers in the quad or bus advertisements.
"There are a lot of things in the quad - it feels a little forced," Carter said. "We wanted to have a space where people can come and have a good, educated conversation."
Awareness of social justice issues on campus is a great way to start getting involved.
"It's always good to be exposed to topics we're not studying in school and see things that affect us in our local community as well as worldwide," DeMars said.
This week's topic of discussion is housing discrimination. For more information on how to participate or on the series in general, stop by the MUPC office in MU 103.
Jeanette Jamison, staff writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
Caitlyn DeMars and Raphiel Carter, both MUPC directors, created the social justice series.
"Students see us doing concerts and helping out at the late night activities," Carter said. "We wanted to get more small programs going."
"We wanted a different genre of event than we typically do," DeMars said.
The series began on Feb. 20, featuring discussions held every Wednesday concerning social justice topics including human trafficking, sex trade and criminal justice.
Michelle Inderbitzin, an associate professor in the sociology department, spoke on criminal justice last Wednesday.
Inderbitzin also leads the Inside Out prison exchange program here at OSU.
Also speaking on the topic of criminal justice was Pam Cytrynbaum, a professor in the new media communications department and part of the Innocence Project. According to the Innocence Project's website, it is "dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted people… and reforming the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice."
It may be exhausting for students at OSU to think about the different social issues that arise on campus. Students are constantly made aware of current issues through fliers in the quad or bus advertisements.
"There are a lot of things in the quad - it feels a little forced," Carter said. "We wanted to have a space where people can come and have a good, educated conversation."
Awareness of social justice issues on campus is a great way to start getting involved.
"It's always good to be exposed to topics we're not studying in school and see things that affect us in our local community as well as worldwide," DeMars said.
This week's topic of discussion is housing discrimination. For more information on how to participate or on the series in general, stop by the MUPC office in MU 103.
Jeanette Jamison, staff writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
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