By Chris Weber, Phoenix Staff Writer
Governors State University is celebrating a new Social Justice Initiative building with a groundbreaking ceremony, and guests are welcome.
The event is scheduled for Oct. 23, at 1:00 P.M. The new building is located next to the Hantack House and across the road from the Paul Bunyan statue on the university campus. Attendees are encouraged to register on the university website.
The Governors State Social Justice Initiative (SJI) was established to serve the diverse communities in south suburban Chicago. Under the leadership of GSU President Cheryl Green, the SJI is steered by Prof. Phyllis West. Together with representatives from the university, local non-profits, students, and residents, the SJI advisory council collaborates to ensure that initiatives align with the unique needs of communities in the southern suburbs.
The SJI’s efforts extend beyond mere rhetoric. Through a multifaceted approach involving events, services, research, educational programs, and community outreach, the SJI actively strives to effect positive change in the lives of area residents. The new building will house those efforts.
One of the noteworthy accomplishments of the SJI has been the establishment of a legal clinic on campus. The clinic provides pro-bono legal assistance and services to both residents and students within the surrounding area. The legal clinic is using the library until the new building is complete.
“The areas of focus for the legal clinic are immigration, expungement, family law and housing,” said West. “Our greatest area of need is expungement, followed by family law. That includes divorce, custody and guardianship. We are very grateful to (Library) Dean (Jan) Figa and all the librarians. They have been so supportive and encouraging. We are grateful that they trust us in their space.”
West said that power of attorney issues also have been in demand among visitors to the legal clinic. She has also seen an increase in community members who are in need of help with immigration issues. The SJI is looking for help from students to translate.
“We need Spanish-speaking volunteers and more pro bono attorneys in order to further this growth,” West said. “The last four months have allowed us to build a foundation, and now we can step back and consider what else the community needs and what we need to make this expand in a way that makes sense.”
Since its inception in 2021, the Social Justice Initiative has emerged as a cornerstone of Green’s progressive agenda for Governors State. It embodies the university’s commitment to eliminating barriers to education, fostering success, and advancing equity in the community.
To register for this event, or for more information, please visit the SJI webpage. The university also will host a social justice resource fair on Oct. 27.