{"id":2655,"date":"2026-03-20T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theredlandsbulldog.com\/?p=2655"},"modified":"2026-03-19T20:03:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T03:03:45","slug":"the-world-that-we-need-redlands-holds-fourth-annual-social-justice-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theredlandsbulldog.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/20\/the-world-that-we-need-redlands-holds-fourth-annual-social-justice-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"‘The World That We Need’: Redlands Holds Fourth Annual Social Justice Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Dolores Huerta speaks at the March 13 Social Justice Conference. Huerta was instrumental in improving agricultural workers\u2019 conditions \u2014 specifically grape laborers in California \u2014 and helped establish the United Farm Workers with C\u00e9sar Ch\u00e1vez. Credit: Alieu Corr, Redlands Brand Manager<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With a theme of \u201cHope: Creating Change Together,\u201d this year\u2019s Social Justice Conference discussed all things equality and activism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students Address Social Justice<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This annual event took place on March 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Orton Center. The day was divided into three sections of morning and afternoon sessions capped off by Dolores Huerta\u2019s keynote in the evening. Throughout the daytime sessions, more than 70 students presented their research projects through a variety of social topics and mediums, including a Gender and Nation Roundtable, Theater for Empowerment and Change Workshop, Justice Across Discipline Poster Presentation and Reading for Liberation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
K’ei\u0142deezbaa’ Morgan \u201827 shares her research during the March 13 Social Justice Conference. Titled \u201cShi\u0142 \u0142ikan Ch\u2019iy\u00e1\u00e1n: Indigenous Food Sovereignty,\u201d it was included in the first session of Addressing Systemic Forces. Credit: Brigitte Fonseca Marroquin \u201828<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Students from the Environmental Psychology, Environmental Justice and Energy & the Environment courses prepared posters for the Justice Across Discipline symposium, including Environmental Psychology students Makayla Karper \u201826 and Kiera Beyer \u201827.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Karper conducted research on how signs influence public compliance, discovering that best compliance was achieved with simple, positively-framed signs. She pointed out how the same often applies to social justice activism in the sense that greater change results from straightforward, non-violent organizing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Karper said she appreciates the social justice conference and its significance in bringing issues to the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven if it doesn\u2019t completely change people\u2019s behavior and habits, at least they\u2019re aware of it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Makayla Karper \u201826 accompanies her Environmental Psychology poster at the Social Justice Conference. As attendees viewed projects, they had the opportunity to engage with the students who created them and ask questions. Credit: McKenzie Rose
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Beyer\u2019s project examined the correlations between personalities and pro-environmental behaviors. In analyzing seven major personality traits, she found \u2018openness to experience\u2019 and \u2018agreeableness\u2019 are closely associated with environmentally friendly actions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPersonality affects your attitude and your concerns and your beliefs about the environment, which then correlates with you actually acting upon those attitudes,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kiera Beyer \u201827 stands alongside her Environmental Psychology poster at the March 13 conference. More than 40 students from these three environmental classes participated in this poster symposium, with a combination of individual and group projects. Credit: McKenzie Rose<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

However, Beyer said personality alone does not guarantee pro-environmental behaviors. People often need some kind of internal motivation to take the step towards environmental action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of a broader social justice context, Beyer said this relates to how concern and passion can exist but don\u2019t always manifest into change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wrapping up the daytime program were capstone presentations by seniors majoring in Women, Gender & Sexuality (WGS) Studies as well as Race and Ethnic Studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Valeria Balber \u201826 presents her capstone during the March 13 Social Justice Conference. Her project was titled: \u201cLack of Cultural Awareness on Native Americans When it Comes to Receiving Therapy.\u201d Credit: Brigitte Fonseca Marroquin \u201828<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Civil Rights Icon Dolores Huerta Speaks<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As hues of sunset began to color the sky, lines formed outside of Orton Center for those hoping to hear renowned civil rights activist Dolores Huerta<\/a> speak as part of Redlands\u2019 Convocations & Lecture Series program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After several welcome and introductory remarks by students and faculty, Huerta took the stage. She outlined foundations of equality and grassroots activism, and then shared her story and the lessons learned of improving agricultural workers\u2019 conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe people that are oppressed, they know what the issues are,\u201d she said. \u201cThey know what the problems are, and they have the intelligence to be able to solve their own problems.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Huerta then touched on the pressing social injustices of today. Huerta emphasized the power and importance of voting in influencing change, pointing to this November\u2019s midterm elections as a key opportunity to exercise this civil right and duty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to go marching forward,\u201d Huerta said. \u201cYou are all going to create the new world \u2013 the world that we need.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dolores Huerta speaks at the Social Justice Conference in Orton Center on March 13. Huerta was instrumental in improving agricultural workers\u2019 conditions \u2014 specifically grape laborers in California \u2014 and helped establish the United Farm Workers with C\u00e9sar Ch\u00e1vez. Credit: Alieu Corr, Redlands Brand Manager
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Huerta was then joined on stage by Sandy Vasquez, the vice president of student affairs, for a moderated discussion with questions that had been submitted by students prior to the conference. After Huerta shared her insights, she invited the audience to join her in the famous \u201cS\u00ed, se puede\u201d chant to remind people of their individual power and the overarching goals of social justice.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the speech came to a close, Vasquez presented Huerta with a gift from the university and announced the establishment of an award in her honor. The Dolores Huerta Civic Leadership Medallion, Vasquez said, will annually recognize an undergraduate student who demonstrates exceptional commitment to community leadership, advocacy and social change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Audience members join a \u201cS\u00ed, se puede\u201d chant with rhythmic clapping during Dolores Huerta’s speech. This iconic chant by Huerta means \u201cYes, we can\u201d and was referenced by President Barack Obama throughout his campaign and terms. March 13 Social Justice Conference. Credit: Alieu Corr, Redlands Brand Manager<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Behind the Scenes<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Social Justice Conference was established in 2022 as a combination of the feminist-focused WGS Studies and ethnic-focused Race and Ethnic Studies conferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a really powerful conference, because it’s not prioritizing any one issue,\u201d Everette Davidove said. \u201cIt\u2019s recognizing that systems of domination are simultaneously operating.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Davidove, a WGS professor who instructs the Social Justice Action class that organizes the conference, said its interdisciplinary and intersectional nature amplify the diversity and collaboration of activism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Students in the Social Justice Action class run the check-in booth at the March 13 Social Justice Conference. This class consisted of roughly 15 students, spanning a variety of majors and ages. Credit: Brigitte Fonseca Marroquin \u201828<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Davidove\u2019s students have spent all semester planning the conference, including choosing a theme, keynote speaker, decorations and figuring out other logistics. The class chose the theme of \u201cHope: Creating Change Together\u201d in response to the abundance of negativity in the world, Eme D\u2019Antonio \u201826 said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt would be really nice to focus on hope and focus on some positives and what we can do,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Butterfly decorations accompanied this theme, which Davidove explained are symbolic of social justice and hope, with the monarch butterfly specifically relating to immigrant rights. The class also designed shirts, with one student\u2019s design on the front and another on the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Dolores Huerta holds up a certificate establishing an award in her honor at the March 13 Social Justice Conference. Vasquez explained that this Dolores Huerta Civic Leadership Medallion will honor individuals who make meaningful contributions reminiscent of her legacy both within and beyond the university. Credit: Alieu Corr, Redlands Brand Manager
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As for the keynote speaker, students said options ranged from local to national and international leaders before they decided on Huerta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe\u2019s someone who literally encompasses hope,\u201d D\u2019Antonio said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Huerta and her legacy also align with the university\u2019s equality ideals as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The Social Justice Action students said they were surprised the civil rights legend accepted their invitation, and Huerta said she was just as surprised to be invited. Huerta has never been to the University of Redlands, and said she appreciates its equality initiatives such as this Social Justice Conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Vice President of Student Affairs Sandy Vasquez asks Dolores Huerta three questions from students during the Social Justice Conference. These questions centered on past vs. modern activism, the inspiration for her efforts and how she balanced activism with other aspects of life. Credit: Alieu Corr, Redlands Brand Manager<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Developing Student Activism<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This was Davidove\u2019s inaugural year teaching the course and overseeing the conference, though he has always been involved while a professor at Redlands. In taking this Social Justice Activism class, students said they have learned how to organize in a democratic and inclusive manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt really showcased that no matter where your talents lie, they are going to be helpful in some way, shape or form,\u201d Emma Boyd \u201826 said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never really done something like this before,\u201d Liam Quinn \u201826 added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the things Boyd hoped attendees took away from this conference are that activism comes in all shapes and sizes and even seemingly small efforts make an impact. Davidove echoed this point as well as Huerta\u2019s message about taking these ideas beyond the walls of Orton and out into the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along with the efforts of students and faculty, this Social Justice Conference was made possible by funding from numerous entities across campus, including the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies, Public Square, Redlands Student Government, Student Affairs, Office for Inclusion and Community, Cummings Lectureship on World Peace, Shirk Lectureship, Voices of Impact Convocations and Lectures and Hispanic Serving Institution grant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
California Congressman and University of Redlands alumnus Pete Aguilar \u201801 and Sandy Vasquez join Dolores Huerta on stage for a group photo at the March 13 Social Justice Conference keynote speech.\u00a0Credit: Alieu Corr, Redlands Brand Manager<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Editor\u2019s Note:<\/strong> This conference took place before the New York Times published an investigation<\/a> into sexual assault allegations against C\u00e9sar Ch\u00e1vez, Dolores Huerta\u2019s colleague in the United Farm Worker labor movement \u2014 including allegations made by Huerta herself. After the story was published, University of Redlands President Krista Newkirk sent a campuswide email regarding the troubling news and reminding the Bulldog community about university resources including the Office for Inclusion and Community, Office of Equity and Title IX and the Counseling Center.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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With a theme of \u201cHope: Creating Change Together,\u201d this year\u2019s Social Justice Conference discussed all things equality and<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"The annual Social Justice Conference took place at the University of Redlands on Friday, March 13. The event featured labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta as well as student presentations and research.","jetpack_seo_html_title":"University of Redlands Holds Fourth Annual Social Justice Conference","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_FSMCFIC_featured_image_caption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_nocaption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_hide":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[347,180],"class_list":["post-2655","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","tag-dolores-huerta","tag-social-justice-conference"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theredlandsbulldog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2655","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theredlandsbulldog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theredlandsbulldog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theredlandsbulldog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/44"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theredlandsbulldog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2655"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/theredlandsbulldog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2655\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2675,"href":"https:\/\/theredlandsbulldog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2655\/revisions\/2675"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theredlandsbulldog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2655"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theredlandsbulldog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2655"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theredlandsbulldog.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2655"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}