Social justice refers to the keeping of individual and group rights and the preservation of fair treatment within society; January has been designated Social Justice Month.

Throughout the thirty-one days of January, a variety of issues such as capital punishment, war, genocide, racism, homelessness, and poverty are highlighted (Lee). The overall goal of this month and effort is to bring about a higher level of consciousness and to help make the uninformed more aware and concerned about the imbalanced world around them. Also, Social Justice Month initiative is intended to emphasize and stress those issues that are usually ignored and/or rarely talked about. For example, during this month it would be fitting to host guest speakers, or show films and documentaries detailing the war and genocide in Darfur, the trafficking and sexual abuse of children and adults, the illicit surveillance of citizens, or even the disparities within the American justice system.

Social Justice Month is not limited to one area of justice or designated to champion only one group over another. Social justice encompasses a great deal of issues, too many to fit into one month. Social Justice Month is meant to bring about an awareness and compassion for serious matters of the world that will outlast the 31 days of January. To take part in the events and initiative taking place on the ECU campus, visit The Office of Institutional Diversity (OID).

Sources:
Lee, Patricia. “Social Justice Month promotes awareness of current issues, concerns.” The Current Online. 4/24/06. Accessed 12/16/08

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice