Alongside teaching a new introductory course in fall 2020, GenCen Undergrad/Grad Advisor, Patrick Arnold, hosted weekly Social Justice Conversations (SJC) as a place for students to learn from each other outside of the classroom, discuss their lived experiences, and be supported in their identities. As a teacher, Patrick always hopes that students are learning; however, in the midst of a pandemic, he wanted to create a space where students could be their authentic selves and explore the issues they are passionate about. The SJC, with the support of Patrick's Undergraduate Learning Assistants Kristen Mertz and Madison Totty, spanned eleven weeks. Some of the topics explored throughout the semester were: intersex rights and identities, feminist advocacy through voter engagement, and the experiences of students of color at predominantly white institutions.

According to his students, Patrick exceeded his goals, creating a bright spot in a difficult semester:

“The Social Justice Conversations...were one of the only ways I had to meet other MSU students from off-campus, and they provided a safe space in which I felt comfortable sharing my ideas and stepping outside of my comfort zone. They made a big difference in how I view social justice issues and motivated me to want to change things for the better...Basically, the Social Justice Conversations were my favorite part of the semester.” — Kara Marie Mackenzie

“My favorite part about participating in the SJC has been the sense of community. I alway feel welcome and accepted every week….I have learned a lot about intersectionality from other students with different social identities and backgrounds than my own…[and] I [could] always count on hearing new perspectives every week.” — Emily Bourgeois

Article written by Ginny Lindberg
Edited by Emily Khan