Institute for Equity and Justice
The Institute for Equity and Justice at Saint Michael’s College was founded in 2023 as a response to advocacy from a dedicated group of students, staff and faculty. Its purpose is to foster a collaborative hub that bridges the academic and co-academic areas related to equity and justice. The Institute aims to provide and share resources and programming to build faculty and staff capacities for equity and justice in curriculum, teaching, and advising practices. The Institute supports equity- and justice-focused experiential learning opportunities for students and works with various Institutes and offices across campus to cultivate collaborative and strategic partnerships. This work is done while focusing on multiple aspects of equity and justice in an intersectional way, with special prominence given to racial equity and justice, furthering the College’s overall goal of robust diversity and inclusion.
More information about the Institute is coming soon!
Meet the Director
Omara Rivera-Vazquez is the inaugural Director of the Institute for Equity and Justice at Saint Michael’s College. She is a former Executive Director for The Community Restorative Justice Center, Inc. and is an instructor in the Criminology Program. She has published several peer-reviewed articles on social justice-related topics such as juvenile justice, domestic violence, and cancer literacy.
Institute for Equity and Justice Events
Sefakor G.M.A. Komabu-Pomeyie presents during a DEI Week event sponsored by the Institute for Equity and Justice. (photo by Caitlin Herz '26)
Sefakor G.M.A. Komabu-Pomeyie presents during a DEI Week event sponsored by the Institute for Equity and Justice. (photo by Caitlin Herz '26)
Dr. Margaret Bass delivers the keynote address at the first ever DEI Week, organized by the Institute for Equity and Justice.
Dr. Margaret Bass delivers the keynote address at the first ever DEI Week, organized by the Institute for Equity and Justice.
Mission and Vision
Vision
To offer a physical and intellectual space where our collective imaginations can unite to dream the beloved community we commit to create. Guided by our shared values and priorities we will take action towards making multisystemic transformations needed at institutional, societal, and individual levels.
Mission
In keeping with the mission of Saint Michael’s College, the Institute organizes conferences, seminars, lectures, and community convenings that bring together experts, staff, faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, and community members with diverse interests and backgrounds. The Institute serves as a point of connection and resource sharing on issues related to equity and justice.
We aim to transform as well as to be transformed by:
- Understanding intersectionality
- Working to change systems of oppression
- Centering the experiences and needs of historically underrepresented and marginalized identities
- Building bridges between students, staff and faculty while recognizing the dignity of all persons and welcoming and affirming people to be their whole selves.