Jesuit High School's Social Justice Week is a time to intentionally focus on issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through the lens of human dignity. In the Ignatian tradition of forming people for and with others, students move from awareness to action, not only learning about matters of social justice, but also acquiring tools to be advocates for change in their communities. Social Justice Week exercises the head, heart, hand and voice of each member of the Jesuit High School community.

This year's Social Justice Week, March 10-14, 2025, focuses on Criminal Justice. By exploring systemic inequalities, mass incarceration, and the balance between justice and reconciliation, the Jesuit community will engage in meaningful conversations, empowering all to advocate for human dignity and address the moral challenges that emerge in today's world. 

Potential workshops:

  • Understanding the System: An overview of how the criminal justice system works
  • Racial Disparities: Examining statistics and case studies on racial bias in policing, sentencing and incarceration
  • Restorative Justice: Introducing alternative models focused on rehabilitation and reconciliation rather than punishment
  • Wrongful Convictions: Exploring causes of wrongful convictions and the work of innocence projects
  • Prison Reform: Discussing current issues in the prison system and potential reforms
  • Youth in the Justice System: Focusing on juvenile justice and the school-to-prison pipeline
  • Mental Health and Criminal Justice: Examining the intersection of mental health issues and criminal behavior
  • Role of Public Defenders: Understanding the importance of legal representation and challenges faced by public defenders
  • Victim's Rights and Perspectives: Hearing from crime victims about their experiences with the justice system
  • Reentry and Rehabilitation: Exploring challenges faced by former inmates reentering society and programs to assist them
  • Criminal Justice and Catholic Social Teaching: Connecting Jesuit values to issues of justice and mercy in the criminal justice system
  • History of Prisons in the U.S.
  • The Immigrant Experience Within Criminal Justice
  • The Death Penalty