Professor Mike Funk, Director Maria Williamson Ramirez, Program Associate Hannah Youssef, and Steinhardt students taking a selfie at Howard University during a site visit.
Introduction
The Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging (ODEB) Social Justice Study Away Program in Washington, D.C. began in 2022, and is led by Maria Williamson Ramirez, Director of Equity Initiatives. After a few years of listening sessions, reviewing data from a climate survey, participating in a Student Success Working Group with Academic Affairs, holding focus groups, and meeting with countless students around the school; the program was created to foster a sense of belonging among Steinhardt students in the wake of the events of 2020 and to help prepare students for difficult conversations in their classrooms, at work, and beyond. We offer undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to learn about social justice themes and reflect on how to apply them to their own lives and careers. Since the summer of 2022, the program has continued to thrive with dozens of undergraduate and graduate students across different departments and programs having participated.
Purpose
The five elements that guide this program are:
1. Social justice education.
Over the years, students have expressed a desire for more training to support diverse communities in their careers. This program was designed as a temporary supplement to existing curricula, with the hopes that curriculum reform would create more space for culturally responsive training.
2. Providing students with tools to discuss systemic inequality.
In addition to students expressing that they needed more training to apply to their fields of study, they expressed needing support on discussing systems of power and oppression in their classrooms. By naming and validating their experiences, defining terms, and facilitating a social learning environment for students, we provide them with tools to share the same knowledge with their instructors and peers.
3. Creating access to experiential learning.
By covering the cost of travel, lodging, activities, and some meals; making the program nearby and short term, and inviting students and faculty with families to participate, we increased access to Study Away opportunities.
4. Community building between students and between students and our office.
This program helps to build meaningful connections between NYU Steinhardt students, faculty, and staff. Which helps student navigate the School and increases the sense of belonging.
5. Coalition building to create pathways marginalized groups.
By forging partnerships with faculty and staff from peer institutions, we expand students' networks and increase opportunities for mentorship and support.
Programming
Highlight activities of the program include visits to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC); dinner at the historic Ben's Chili Bowl and Busboys and Poets bookstore and cafe; a site visit to Howard University; guided walking tours of local cultural landmarks; and a variety of workshops and lectures from guest speakers for students to reflect on their experiences and discuss social justice topics.
Students are provided with transportation via train between NYC and DC, and are housed at the at the NYU Washington DC site. Students are also provided with DC Metro cards, and many meals throughout the 3-4 day trip are covered. Participants are encouraged to explore DC on their own. Students and faculty guides with families are encouraged to participate.
For more information, please email steinhardt.equity@nyu.edu.