This fall, Maryville introduced a social justice certification program for student leaders. Maricella Reyes, program coordinator for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, is leading the program. She shares about Maryville’s commitment to social justice and why the University seeks to create global citizens of the world.
Tell us about the new social justice certification program.
The InclusiveMU Institute will create a culturally developmental space for student leaders who will assist with developing a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Each month students will engage in conversations around social identity, oppression, socialization and the overarching concepts around social justice learning. At the conclusion of the program, students will earn a social justice certificate that can be showcased in their digital career portfolios or in their resumes. I’m excited that the program will follow a cohort model so that students will be able to have dialogue and reflect on their experiences in a small-group setting.
Why is it important for our students to learn about social justice?
I think social justice means something different to everyone. To me, social justice is about how we can better support people who are marginalized and oppressed. What are the ways systematically and institutionally that we can lift up our fellow humans as they go through things we may not be going through? There are groups in our society who have experienced violence against them or been discriminated against because of social identities they hold. We need to be able to stand up for them and advocate for them — or for ourselves.
It’s also important for our students to learn about social justice before they leave Maryville and go out into the world. In their personal and professional lives, they are going to experience diverse communities. If we want our students to be kind, open and understanding to different experiences and perspectives, then we need to provide the opportunity for them to dive deep and understand what that looks like.
How will aspects of current events be incorporated into the program?
Generation Z has grown up with a number of powerful social justice issues in the headlines, particularly over the past year. Technology has shed a new light on these issues. The oppression and violence people are experiencing has always been happening; but now, it’s happening on our televisions, our phones and our social media feeds. Social justice is really important to this generation. I think they are craving more training on how they can put their hand into the fight. For example, the Black Lives Matter movement isn’t as prominent as it was last year following the death of George Floyd. But a lot of our students are still sitting in that experience and feeling lost. We are going to help them figure out next steps so they feel empowered to create the world they want to live in.
How has your experience as a person of color shaped how you lead?
I am Mexican-American and grew up in a predominantly white community in Michigan. I had experiences growing up that I couldn’t put a name to, and I was very embarrassed of my skin tone and dark hair. It wasn’t until I was in college that I learned more about my culture and became proud of who I am.
I wanted to pursue a career in higher education because I know firsthand how transformational college can be for young people. I want to help students of color and students from underrepresented groups — students who just need someone to believe in them. I want to let them know they’re doing a great job and encourage them to keep going; I promise there’s going to be a light at the end of the tunnel like there was for me. .