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Social Justice Week: Reflecting on 20 Years of Social Justice at CSM
April 21, 2025 - April 28, 2025
Various
Social Justice Week
April 21–28, 2025
Reflecting on 20 Years of Social Justice at CSM
This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate two decades of steadfast commitment to Social Justice Week at CSM. Over the past 20 years, we have brought our community together to learn, reflect, and take action on critical social issues. Through panel discussions, student debates, research competitions, theatre performances, film screenings, volunteer events, and special guest speakers, CSM and our community partners have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and drive change. We have addressed a wide range of pressing social justice topics including immigration, incarceration, addiction, homelessness, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, invisible disabilities, mental health, and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on marginalized communities.
This anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the ongoing work that remains. To commemorate this important milestone, we will explore both historical and contemporary issues through a weeklong series of events across our campuses. We invite you to join us for “Reflecting on 20 Years of Social Justice at CSM” and engage with the events listed below.
This series reflects a cross-disciplinary effort to deepen our collective understanding and strengthen our advocacy on these vital issues. It is organized by the CSM Social Justice Week Committee, with representation from faculty, staff, student life, counseling, and learning support services, and is proudly sponsored by the Thomas V. Mike Miller Center for Leadership.
Gardening for Hunger – Cultivating Community and Hope (CSM Day of Service and Earth Day Event)
Tuesday, April 22, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Prince Frederick Campus Garden
Join us for a hands-on social justice event focused on food insecurity and community healing through sustainable gardening. The College of Southern Maryland is partnering with Farming 4 Hunger, a local nonprofit dedicated to feeding the body and soul by growing healthy food and nurturing human connection.
Students will take part in a garden cleanup project and engage in meaningful team-building activities with the Farming 4 Hunger crew. This experience highlights how gardening can be a tool for both social change and personal growth—supporting those facing hunger, addiction recovery, reentry after incarceration, and youth in need of guidance. Come get your hands in the soil and be part of growing something that matters—for the earth and our Southern Maryland community.
Hosts: Denise Gilmer-Knudson dgilmer-knudson@csmd.edu; Lisa Lynk Smith llynksmith@csmd.edu; and Alyssa Brumis ambrumis@csmd.edu
The Lorax: Transcending the Call from Environmentalism to Activism
Tuesday, April 22, 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.; La Plata Campus, ST 140 and via Zoom
Join Professor Rachael Bateman in a discussion about Dr. Suess' book, The Lorax. This book emphasizes “environmental stewardship and the consequences of exploitation … highlighting deforestation, greenhouse gases, plastic pollution, corporate greed, and the need for collective action.” The book serves as a reminder—one that is desperately needed right now—to speak up against injustice and oppression, and to work to make change. Though The Lorax may be a children's book and movie, this pertinent and powerful message is one to carry on in our adult lives.
Host: Rachael Bateman rebateman@csmd.edu
Honoring Identity: The Power of Pronouns in Building Inclusive Communities
Tuesday, April 22, 10 – 11:20 a.m. and 1 - 2:20 p.m.; Via Zoom
Join presenters Hannah Cooksey (they/them) and Alice Barnett (she/her, they/them) for an engaging and educational discussion on the importance of respecting and normalizing the use of pronouns, particularly in support of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. This event will explore how the intentional use of inclusive language fosters a sense of belonging, affirms individual identities, and helps dismantle harmful assumptions and biases.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the role pronouns play in gender identity, the evolving language around gender inclusivity, and practical strategies for creating respectful, affirming environments in classrooms, workplaces, and beyond. Together, we'll examine how small actions—like sharing and honoring pronouns—can make a big impact in building a more just and inclusive community for all.
Host: Michelle Christian mbchristian@csmd.edu
Stage for Change: Scenes from The Prom and a Conversation on LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity
Wednesday, April 23, 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.; La Plata Campus, CE 106 and via Zoom
Experience the transformative power of theatre as CSM students perform selected scenes from The Prom, a heartfelt and empowering musical that centers on acceptance, identity, and the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. Following the performance, join us for a thoughtful discussion on the themes of the show and their real-life relevance to issues of inclusion, allyship, and representation.
This event creates a space for open dialogue around the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals and the importance of affirming, inclusive communities on and off campus. All are welcome to attend, reflect, and engage in this celebration of love, courage, and authenticity.
Host: Michelle Christian mbchristian@csmd.edu
LGBTQ+ Representation and Social Justice in Film: Analyzing Ryan Murphy's 2014 film, The Normal Heart and the Mishandling of the AIDS Crisis
Wednesday, April 23, 1 - 2:20 p.m.; via Zoom
Professor Krista Keyes will host a discussion of the 2014 film, The Normal Heart--"The story of the onset of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City in the early 1980s, taking an unflinching look at the nation's sexual politics as gay activists and their allies in the medical community fight to expose the truth about the burgeoning epidemic to a city and nation in denial” (imdb.com). Viewing the film beforehand won’t be necessary, but if you choose to, it can be found on several streaming platforms.
Host - Krista Keyes kakeyes@csmd.edu
Let’s Talk about Mental Health: Managing Stress, Finding Support, and Coping with Life’s Ups and Downs
Thursday, April 24, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Prince Frederick Campus, PFB 202 and via Zoom
What does it mean to care for our mental health? How can we manage the many stressors life throws our way and foster resilience in the midst of difficult times? These are just a couple of the questions we will explore as we discuss how to empower ourselves and others by putting mental wellness front and center.
This session will be offered by Kellie Jamison and Jennifer Fossell of CSM Services in conjunction with psychology faculty Professor Christy Schuette and Professor Tim Gagliano.
Hosts: Jennifer Fossell (she/her); jefossell@csmd.edu; Kellie Jamison kijamison@csmd.edu
Hope, Cynicism, and the Psychology of Climate Change Denial: An Eco-Critical Analysis of Adam McKay's 2021 film, Don't Look Up
Thursday, April 24, 1 - 2:20 p.m.; via Zoom
Professor Krista Keyes and her students will discuss the film Don't Look Up through an eco-critical lens. Topics discussed will include the psychology of climate change denial, generational differences in perceptions of climate change, and how corporations and policymakers s are making the problem worse.
Students will explore the topic climate change through the lens of the film and discuss why and how corporations, lobbyists, and policymakers often stand in the way of making impactful change.
Host: Krista Keyes kakeyes@csmd.edu
The Power of Resilience in the Fight for Equality: Systemic Barriers Against Minorities Under the Disguise of Redlining
Thursday, April 24, Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:55 p.m.; La Plata Campus, CE 101 and via Zoom
This powerful discussion will explore the historical roots and ongoing impacts of redlining, examining how this practice has contributed to systemic and structural barriers for marginalized communities—particularly communities of color. By shedding light on how redlining continues to influence housing, education, wealth, and health disparities, this session invites participants to critically engage with the legacy of discriminatory policies and consider pathways toward justice and equity.
Host: Renee McLaurin rmclaurin@csmd.edu
Celebrating 20 Years of Social Justice: Still Caring and Sharing at the College of Southern Maryland
Monday, April 28; 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.; Prince Frederick Campus, PFA 119 and via Zoom
Join us for an informative panel discussion designed to support students and community members impacted by recent government layoffs. This event will highlight the wide range of resources available at the College of Southern Maryland, including career services, financial aid guidance, scholarships, and mental health support. Learn how CSM can assist you in navigating this transitional period with practical tools, personalized support, and opportunities for upskilling and career advancement. All are welcome.
Hosts: David Robinson dmrobinson4@csmd.edu and Mike Green mrgreen@csmd.edu
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.