An upcoming event — a Teach-In for Justice on Monday, Oct. 19 — aims to encourage students, faculty and staff at The University of Scranton to be attentive to inequities that occur in their daily lives and consider ways they can promote hope and effect change. 

Christian Krokus, Ph.D., a professor of the Theology/Religious Studies Department at The University of Scranton, coordinates The Ellacuría Initiative, which presents the Teach-In annually. He offers insight on the initiative and this year's focus: "Journeying With Youth, Accompanying Young People in the Creation of a Hope-Filled Future," Jesuit Universal Apostolic Preference #3.

"The Teach-In for Justice, which is sponsored by The University of Scranton's Ellacuría Initiative, is inspired by the witness of the Jesuit martyrs of El Salvador, who not only refused to look away from the injustice their students and neighbors were facing but committed themselves to studying the underlying causes and promoting solutions for that injustice. In our own small way, we aim to pay attention to the injustices our neighbors are suffering here and now," Dr. Krokus said.

The initiative draws inspiration from the late Rev. Ignacio Ellacuría, S.J., a Spanish-born El Salvadoran theologian and human rights activist, who was one of eight people, including five other priests —Ignacio Martín-Baró, S.J., Segundo Montes, S.J., Juan Ramón Moreno, S.J., Joaquín López y López, S.J., and Amando López, S.J. — who were assassinated on Nov. 16, 1989, by the Salvadoran military during the country’s civil war. 

"The Teach-In for Justice is a wonderful opportunity for students, faculty and staff to learn from their professors, colleagues and experts in the region about particular matters of pressing concern related to justice," Dr. Krokus said. 

"In past years, the University has held Teach-Ins focused on racial justice, environmental justice and justice for women. Last year our theme was 'Walking With the Excluded.' We heard from people working on dialogue among Palestinians and Israelis, college education for local prisoners, and refugee and migrant assistance in NEPA," Dr. Krokus said.

The daylong event on Oct. 19 will take place on campus at the Loyola Science Center, room 133. 

'Journeying With Youth'

"This year the theme is “Journeying With Youth,” and we’ve invited speakers to teach about young people and eating disorders, foster care and clinical child psychology, and the problem of charging and trying youth as adults in the criminal justice system. We’ll also have a special session on remembering 9/11 in this 25th anniversary.

"We are very fortunate to have speakers, both from our faculty and also from various roles in the community, donate their time, passion, and expertise so that our students can learn from them," Dr. Krokus said.

Student attendance will be taken and made available upon request. Questions? Contact christian.krokus@scranton.edu

TOPICS, PRESENTERS and DETAILS

What: The Ellacuria Initiative Teach-In for Justice: "Journeying With Youth: Accompanying Young People in the Creation of a Hope-Filled Future," Jesuit Universal Apostolic Preference #3

When: Monday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Where: Loyola Science Center, room 133.

Event details:

• "Working with Youth in Clinical Psychology," Dr. Christie Karpiak, psychology - 9-9:50 a.m., light breakfast
  
  
• "Journeying Together: Discovering Purpose and Connection with Youth in NEPA," Jenny Gonzalez, LSW, Marywood University and Daysi Carreto, LSW, Community Relations -10-10:50 a.m.
  
  
• "Foster Kids: Offering Big Help with Small Effort as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate," Dr. Declan Mulhall, Physics and Engineering; Fr. John Sivalon, Ph.D., Crime, Justice and Security - 11-11:50 a.m.
  
  
• "Suspended Empathy: The Harms of Youth Transfer," Tiara Greene, Esq., Juvenile Law Center - 12-12:50 p.m.
  
  
• "Eating Disorders, Catholic Social Teaching and the Sociality of Health," Dr. Megan Heeder Theology/Religious Studies - 1-1:50 p.m.
  
  
• "Journeying with Youth at the Center for Service and Social Justice," Pat Vaccaro, M.S., Mission and Ministry - 2-2:50 p.m.
  
  
• "Contemplating September 11, 2001: The 25th Anniversary," Dr. Mike Allison, Political Science; Dr. Teresa Grettano, English and Theatre; Dr. Gretchen Van Dyke, Political Science - 3 - 4:15 p.m.