Niagara University Hosts Social Justice Conference, Announces New Diversity Initiatives
Since the 1960s, the Western New York region has borne witness to many teachable points of inspiration regarding racial equality and social justice.
The most recent occurred April 15-16 at Niagara University during an intergenerational forum, “Fostering Racial and Social Justice: Defining and Connecting the Roles and Responsibilities of Student Organizations, Academics, and Community.”
Coordinated by Niagara University’s Black Student Union, the conference focused on local and national issues of race in higher education, the role of colleges and universities in addressing racial justice in communities, empowering students as mentors and leaders, and strengthening alliances among organizations on and off campuses that address social justice issues.
Among the 130-plus attendees were representatives from 17 colleges and universities, as well as numerous community organizations, government officials, and business leaders.
“The remarkable collaborative efforts that have taken place at Niagara to develop this conference – especially among students and faculty – reinforce the fact that enhancing the inclusivity of our campus environment is of critical importance to all of us,” said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University. “In this Year of Mercy, Pope Francis has called upon God’s people to be builders of bridges. This conference reflects Niagara’s mission to build bridges of dialogue on diversity and social justice, to do so as St. Vincent reminds us by the rays of charity.”