The Union Difference The Institute for Social Justice

A commitment to promote social justice and equity.

The Mission of The Institute for Social Justice at Union Institute & University

The mission of The Institute for Social Justice at Union Institute & University is to apply theory to practice through scholar-practitioners, philanthropists, policymakers, and other leaders who are committed to promoting social justice and equity in the United States (U.S.) and globally through research, education, and policy.

Since its founding in 1964, Union Institute & University (Union) has focused on academic excellence, creativity, diversity, and integrity.  At its core, however, Union has stayed committed to social justice for advancing and promoting a culturally pluralistic, equitable, and interdependent world.

The Institute for Social Justice seeks to realize significant and demonstrable progress toward social justice through five commitments: question abstract theories, listen to those oppressed, engage with others, appreciate perspectives different from our own, and imagine a different future

Background of The Institute for Social Justice at Union Institute & University

Twenty-first century realities and vexing social problems persist while legions of scholars, activists, and advocates continue to describe the problem. What is needed are actions that answer the question, “What to do about the seeming inability to advance social justice?”  The resounding response from the community within Union Institute & University is to achieve concrete results through The Institute for Social Justice at Union Institute & University.

Conceived in 2018, the Institute is a signature initiative under the leadership of Karen Schuster Webb, Ph.D., president of Union, to rekindle the university’s founding mission as a university without walls and borders.  Fundamentally, this means working domestically and internationally. 

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The Institute voices and actualizes 21st century collaborative thought leadership with extant programs and individuals that are committed to providing innovative and pragmatic solutions on a global level through programs that focus on these objectives:

  • Research and propose public policies and programs that reduce economic disparities and accelerate steps to reducing racism.
  • Promote international policies and programs that increase civic engagement.
  • Foster policies that promote economic and social equity.
  • Transform social disparities through dedicated centers of excellence such as education, economic policies and programs, housing, health care, and criminal justice.

These objectives are fulfilled by the Institute through multiple programs, certificates, master classes, events, research, community consultancy, and conferences.

The Institute consists of highly engaged leaders doing the work of promoting social justice, scholar-practitioners, social entrepreneurs, and innovators committed to advancing social justice through programs and policies in the present and into the future.

The Role and Purpose of The Institute for Social Justice at Union Institute & University

Domestically and internationally, the growing gap between the haves and have-nots is obvious to anyone who reads, listens to conversations and watches any media source.  Furthermore, this wealth and technological disparity transcends national borders, disregards cultural patterns and promises long-term harm.  Therefore, the work of advancing social justice, in the view of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “transcends borders” by connecting the struggle for civil rights with the promotion of international human rights (Levitt, 2017).

At the same time, rapid technological innovation and viral dissemination of memes, ideas, and events demonstrate the ability to influence governments, policies, economies and the “hearts and minds” of vast populations.  Given these 21st century realities and given the seemingly eternally vexing conundrum that poses the rhetorical question, “What to do about the seeming inability to advance social justice?”, the resounding response from the community within Union Institute & University and its external constituents is to support the work within The Institute for Social Justice at Union Institute & University.

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News From The Institute for Social Justice at Union Institute & University

The Institute for Social Justice (TISJ) stands in support of our justice system's decision to convict Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd. As local, national and international community leaders continue to lead the charge for social justice and change, injustice was sent a bold message on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, that it will “no longer be tolerated”.

While The Institute for Social Justice along with other organizations across the country celebrate this verdict, as a nation, we are all left to bear the responsibility and pain of a senseless loss and the irreplaceable life of Mr. George Floyd. To the Floyd family, we are forever and sincerely sorry — please accept our condolences.

Today, we are learning to look, and dedicated more than ever to moving our country forward to achieve justice, equality, dignity, and safety for all. As part of TISJ pathway for change, we will be launching a series of new programs and certificates for the 2021-2022 academic year. For more information, or a full list of course offerings email betsy.martin@myunion.edu.

The Institute for Social Justice is pleased to collaborate with community organizations working toward meaningful change and dismantling systems which support injustice. Toward that end, we share a link to the statement of Eddie Koen, President of the Cincinnati Urban League, “This is a step towards justice. We hope this sends a message that we can no longer live in a country where the killings of unarmed black men and women are done without criminal or moral consequences.”