Jenine Samara '22 Social justice is often politicized and associated with streamlined ideologies and concepts. At its core, social justice and activism are vital principles that merge the exercise of free speech and passion for issues that hold a deep personal significance.
As members of the Fontbonne community, we're called to apply gospel principles to pertinent social and ethical dilemmas. By taking ancient scriptures and using them as the fuel for modern movements, we uphold the mission of our faith and fuse it with our responsibility to champion change. On December 3rd, five other Fontbonne students and I took a trip to Washington D.C. to protest Title 42: an immigration policy that seeks to maintain tight borders while implementing racist procedures behind the facade of public health. Implemented under two different political administrations, this law and the issues that accompany it transcends political leaning. It deals with all individuals' inherent right to seek safety during social, political, and economic crises. It's a human tendency to organize people and things into groups. Labeling under a generic pretense is far simpler than taking the time to acknowledge various situations and perspectives. Likewise, when we hear topics such as the border crisis, we may collectively assign numerous people an overall persona and experience. On this trip, though, we had the chance to listen to the experiences of many, who all had vastly different backgrounds, but one collective desire for change. We learned that these issues take a personal effect on each person that varies in its presentation and severity, and we must utilize the privilege we have to aid them through speech and activism. Students' Perspectives: What is the most critical thing about activism? "The most important thing about activism is that it teaches people, especially the youth of today, to make positive change. For people our age, that means thinking critically about the laws in place, becoming aware of what's happening in our government, our nation, and thinking about whether or not it is making a positive or negative impact. Our voices are important. We use our voices to speak for people who can't. Activism is important because it works. It makes a change, and we need that to continue to better ourselves & our world". Anaya Qayyum '24 What is something students should know about Title 42? "This is a Catholic issue. Jesus called us to love and care for our dear neighbors. Jesus called us to welcome the poor. By responding to the call to action to end Title 42, we are doing what Jesus taught us." -Anastasia Morris '22. Have you had any meaningful discussions during the car ride or while walking throughout D.C.? "During the car ride, we were able to talk about the response to these very prominent and important issues in our society and how people can be ignorant about it, and all it takes is one little spark to ignite a fire of knowledge and awareness and support. It's up to the younger generations, and years under us, and we all must try to educate ourselves on the topic at least because if we don't know what is going on in our society, how will we be able to hopefully one day run it? Because we truly are the leaders of tomorrow and it is important to start now." -Andrianna Polito '22 Though the injustices we hear daily may appear to be out of our reach, as students, the prospect of achieving change is the first step in creating the improvements we seek. This, coupled with older generations validating the work of their descendants, is the means for forming thoughts into tangible action. Earlier this year, the Sisters of Saint Joseph released their direction statement which seeks to uphold justice and restore the widespread appreciation for diversity and inclusivity. As young women attending CSJ schools, it should become our personal objective to listen to the voices that are overlooked, and advocate for the ones that are unheard. Michael Franti once said, "When many little people in many little places do many little things, then the whole world changes." This day-long excursion provided me with the opportunity to watch Franti's sentiment come to life. Little people, both young and old, students from Fontbonne and sisters as far as New Mexico, came together as a community to protest legislation that affects a particular group but holds a collective moral implication. For more resources on Title 42, and how you can be part of the effort see the following links:
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