Social Justice Symposium Schedule

Symposium Agenda

Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 *In-Person USU Ballroom*

• 9:00 AM- 10:00 AM: Check in, continental breakfast
  Check in, continental breakfast
• 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM: Welcome
  • Land Acknowledgement and Labor Acknowledgement by Tommy Devers
  • Welcome and housekeeping
• 10:15AM-11:15 AM: Keynote speaker Dr. Jon Paul Higgins
  Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins (DoctorJonPaul) is an award winning educator, professor, national speaker, freelance journalist, thought leader and media critic who examines the intersections of identity, gender and race in entertainment. Named National Black Justice Coalition’s Inaugural Emerging Leaders to Watch and Business Equality Magazine’s “Top 40 LGBTQ People Under 40”, their work has been featured on sites like Essence, Ebony, Complex, MTV NEWS, Out Magazine, BET & Entertainment Weekly. A Culture Strike 2021 Disruptor, Black Boy/Girl Writes Fellow and Twitter Spaces Spark Creator, DoctorJonPaul is trailblazer who is creating, sharing, and crafting the stories their ancestors didn’t get to tell. 
• 11:15 AM-12:05 PM Concurrent Sessions #1
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  • The Power of Voice: A Deeper Discussion with Dr. Jon Paul Higgins: Carlos Gonzalez, Dr. Jon Paul Higgins

    USU 2310 B

    Following their keynote address, this extended Q&A session provides attendees with an opportunity to engage in a deeper conversation with Dr. Jon Paul Higgins. Through guided questions and audience participation, this session will explore the themes of identity, advocacy, and the transformative power of using one’s voice. Participants will have the chance to ask their own questions and gain further insights from Dr. Higgins’ experiences and expertise.

  • "Maybe it is that deep:" Why We Should Fear Anti-Intellectualism: Ken Waddy

    USU Ballroom C

    A roundtable discussion of the  continuous impacts and signs of anti-intellectualist culture in America. Be prepared to contribute to a discussion of the political, cultural, and social factors of the animosity toward deep and critical thinking by politicians and the average American alike.

  • Anti-Racist and Intersectional Pedagogy: Ruby Osoria

    USU Ballroom A

    Learn about two separate projects centering on Anti-Racist and Intersectional Pedagogy in higher education and the importance of intentional course development intended to support historically marginalized communities. 

  
  

   

• 12:05 PM - 12:10 PM: Transition
  Transition
• 12:10- 1:00 PM Concurrent Sessions #2
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  • Breach of Contract: Releasing Your Inner Activist: Stephanie Sledge, Terrell Donnell Sledge

    USU Ballroom C

    This presentation involves a discussion and interactive activity guiding participants in wielding an understanding of "Social Contracts," investigating your social contract dynamics, exploring the necessity of your voice, and connecting personal advocacy to social advocacy.

  • Data for Change: How CSUSM Actions Around Campus Climate Survey Data: Cheryl Landin Dominique Harrison, Citlalli Carrillo,Xandra Martinez
    USU 2310 B

     

    Participants in this workshop will engage in an activity in which they identify an issue at their schools they are passionate about and consider how they would collect data around it. Through guidance from presenters, participants will then design a survey question and identify how the data collected from their survey would inform actions for change at their school. They will then learn about the actions CSUSM is currently taking towards improving campus climate, including the launch of an “Expect Respect” campaign to engage and empower the campus community in the work of fostering a positive environment at CSUSM.

     

  • The Rise of Nationalism Across the Globe: Anthony Mejia, Karina Ramirez
    USU 2310 A

     

    The presentation will be facilitated as a workshop progressing through the history, controversy and rise of nationalism across the globe. It entails definitions for nationalism, its context, its colonial heritage, how its portrayed (in terms of artwork), positives/negative outcomes of nationalism and 'why' its on the rise. 
  • Know Your Rights: Undocumented Rights and Emergency Planning: Dreamer Resource Office
    USU Ballroom A

     

    An informative session designed to empower undocumented individuals and allies with essential knowledge about legal rights and emergency preparedness. Experts will discuss key protections, how to navigate encounters with law enforcement, and steps to create a safety plan for unexpected situations. Attendees will learn about available resources, advocacy strategies, and ways to support undocumented communities. This session aims to provide practical tools and critical information to help individuals stay informed, prepared, and empowered in times of uncertainty and a rise in legal violence against immigrants.
    

  
  
• 1:00 PM-2:00 PM: Main Ballroom (BD) Lunch
  Lunch:
• 2:00 PM-2:50 PM Concurrent Sessions #3
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  • ASI Resolution & Memo Process: Elaine Pollard

    USU Ballroom A

    A guide on student empowerment facilitated through CSUSM's Associated Students Inc. Learn about the resolution and memo process that ASI goes through for all student concerns that come through them. Students have the chance to ask questions about either the workings of ASI and student relationships, or the process itself.

  • Da Taína Borikua-Two Red Hands Yvette Cruz

    USU Ballroom C

    Learn history through indigenous art to fill in the gaps of missing history in today's education with teachings from the first indigenous women of the phenomena. Participants will engage in hands on collaborative art project to contribute to MMIP awareness from Boriken to Payómakawichum and learn the roles, and responsibilities of Cacikeas and their contributions to educational leadership roles.

  • Roundtable Discussion: 1st Amendment/Civil Disobedience Shelby Rogers

    USU 2310 B

     

  • Activism on the Borderlands: Resistance through Mutual Aid Emily Mahmoud

    USU 2310 A

    This panel facilitates space for community discussions and questions around the importance of Mutual Aid. You will also talk about the repressive and violent tactics that government entities have used to "deter" migration. This panel aims to be a community political education event, that is open for inquiry, and empowerment.

  
  
• 2:50-2:55 PM: Transition

  Transition

• 2:55 PM-3:45 PM Concurrent Sessions #4
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  • Decolonizing Education and Indigenous Ways of Knowing Angelica M. Yanez

    USU 2310 A

    This workshop explores the power of decolonizing education by centering Indigenous ways of knowing, learning, and doing. Participants will examine how colonial systems have shaped traditional education and explore alternative frameworks rooted in ancestral knowledge and storytelling. Through discussion and reflection, we will uncover strategies to honor Indigenous wisdom, challenge dominant narratives, and create spaces for cultural reclamation and self-empowerment in educational settings.

  • Strike as Pedagogy: Lessons from the 1968-1969 Third World Liberation Front (TWLF): Maggie Rodriguez, Marcelo Montalvo

    USU Ballroom A

    Engage in a historical study of the 1968-1969 Third World Liberation Front (TWLF) student strikes at San Francisco State and UC Berkeley. As a multi-racial coalition of Black, American Indian, Chicanx/Latinx, and Asian American student organizations – the TWLF initiated and sustained a 5-month strike that serves as the primary origin of the field now called Ethnic Studies. We will trace how the TWLF envisioned a “relevant education” rooted in intercommunal solidarity, self-determination, and community-engaged scholarship.

  • Voices of Justice Unfiltered: An Activist Journey Panel: Michael Geck

    USU Ballroom C

    This brings together passionate activists to share their unfiltered experiences in advocacy and social justice. It highlights the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned while fighting for equity and systemic change. Panelists will discuss their personal journeys, strategies for activism, and the impact of grassroots movements. Attendees will gain insight into diverse activism approaches and leave inspired to take action in their own communities. This session is an opportunity to engage in critical conversations, ask questions, and connect with changemakers dedicated to justice and transformative social change.

  
  
• 3:45-4:40 PM Closing remarks
  Closing Remarks by Daniel Gonzalez, Marcelo Montalvo, Carlos Gonzalez
• 4:40 PM-6:00 PM: Social Hour
  Enjoy appetizers and mingle and connect with other presenters and potential colleagues!