Social Justice at CWRU

In a society wrought with blatant discrepancies, Case Western Reserve's Social Justice Institute supports and facilitates social critique and civic engagement to identify the causes and consequences of injustice and work toward resolutions. Providing a distinctive educational opportunity for students, scholars and community members, the institute ensures that the university and its neighbors are poised to better understand the role of education, development and policy in bringing about social change. ~ From the Social Justice Institute website

The mission of the office for inclusion, diversity and equal opportunity is to provide support and guidance and to promote equitable and fair treatment in employment, education and other aspects of campus life. The office serves as a resource to the university in the interpretation, understanding and application of federal and state equal opportunity and affirmative action laws and regulations. ~ From the Office mission statement

The Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence began in July 2006 as the result of a generous gift from Kazuo Inamori and the Inamori Foundation of Kyoto, Japan. Dr. Inamori, founder of the Kyocera Corporation, believes that “people have no higher calling than to serve the greater good of humankind and society” and “the future of humanity can be assured only through the balance of scientific progress and spiritual maturity.” The Inamori Center will foster the development of future leaders who will, in the words of Kazuo Inamori, “Serve humankind through ethical deeds rather than actions based on self-interest and selfish desires.” ~ from the Inamori Center website

The Flora Stone Mather Center for Women is a safe space that honors the diverse experiences and aspirations of all women. We inspire women to be leaders. We bring together faculty, staff, students, and community, building supportive networks that empower all women to achieve their goals and transform society. As a catalyst for positive social change, the Center integrates research and advocacy to actively engage and inspire all people to advance gender equity and inclusion. We provide resources and educational programming to enrich the academic, professional, and personal lives of all women, promoting their success and well-being. ~ From the Center vision statement.

The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center exemplifies Case Western Reserve University’s commitment to serving its diverse student, staff and faculty populations. The space provides an inviting home to members of the LGBT and allied community interested in exploring and celebrating LGBTQIA identities. Beyond the student base, the LGBT Center also welcomes alumni, prospective students, staff and faculty. The LGBT Center is located at the heart of campus on the first floor of the Tinkham Veale University Center, situated as the first office greeting visitors entering through the Linsalata Entrance off Bellflower Road. ~ from the CWRU LGBT website

"The origins of the Schubert Center for Child Studies are rooted in the Mental Development Center (MDC), an interdisciplinary clinical facility founded in 1959 at CWRU for the evaluation and treatment of children with mental retardation and developmental problems. Under the direction of Jane Kessler, PhD, Professor of Psychology, the MDC was the first university-based center for mental retardation and developmental disabilities in the United States. Over the years, the MDC served hundreds of families in Northeast Ohio." ~ from the Schubert Center website

"The Center for Civic Engagement and Learning (CCEL) works to create an engaged campus by providing and supporting opportunities for community service and collective action while promoting civic awareness and leadership. CCEL offers a variety of programs and services to accommodate different student interests and schedules, including one-time service events, programs that require a semester or academic year commitment, and educational trainings about community issues, responsible engagement, and active citizenship." ~ from the Center website

Many student groups on the CWRU campus have a broad social justice focus, whether through their constituencies, the issues around which they have organized, or the community groups that they serve. ~ from the SJI website

Our community is comprised of individuals from a variety of cultural, geographic, religious and personal backgrounds. This diversity creates a vibrant, multicultural campus with incredible opportunities for learning and growth. We respect all members of our community and strive to acknowledge and appreciate our differences. Although CWRU strives to be inclusive in all our endeavors, these programs and services seek to specifically educate our community. ~ from the Diversity & Inclusion website

"Since 1975, The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Greater Cleveland has been serving the needs of the LGBT+ community here in Northeastern Ohio." ~ from the Center website

"We have turned an empty and forgotten piece of land in Cleveland’s Kinsman Neighborhood into an urban farm where we grow produce to bring healthy, local food to area institutions and citizens and train others on this work." ~ from the Partnership website

"EHW is Ohio’s longest standing environmental justice organization. EHW started in the early 1980s in response to the ever-changing and prevalent health hazards in homes in Northeast Ohio and Cleveland. EHW provides education, advocacy, and direct service to families while also working alongside policy makers to spotlight and confront critical environmental health issues." ~ from the EHW website

"The InterReligious Task Force on Central America (IRTF) is a Cleveland-based interfaith group that promotes peace and human rights in Central America and Colombia. People of faith and conscience founded IRTF after the 1980 execution of four U.S. church women in El Salvador by U.S.-trained soldiers." ~ from the Task Force website