About Gender and Social Justice
The Gender and Social Justice program launched in September 2019, replacing the Women’s Studies program. Gender and Social Justice teaches students about social justice, with particular attention to the role of gender. Students learn to put intersectional feminism into practice in diverse ways as they work to build inclusive, just, sustainable communities, locally and globally.
Students, whether they are majors or minors ( see GSJ programs), or taking GSJ courses as electives, will find our courses timely, accessible, relevant, varied, and surprising. These courses seek to cultivate awareness of the experiences of people marginalized by such features as gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability, and class. More than this, students will learn to use the theoretical framework of intersectional feminism to critically analyze systems and representations.
The Department of Gender and Social Justice is closely associated with the Department of Philosophy our staff administrates both programs and many of our faculty teach in both areas. For more information on the Philosophy Department visit their website
Events
The Urgency of Social Justice Speaker Series part 1
Laura Mae Lindo: Uncovering the Racial Contract: A Story of Bill 67 in Ontario
In December 2021, Bill 67, the Racial Equity in the Education System Act, was tabled to ensure educators in Ontario were provided with the tools that they need to uphold their legal obligation as laid out through Ontario's Education Act: to build inclusive classrooms. While tabling the Bill was a response to community advocacy demanding that schools become anti-racist spaces - spaces that encourage and support racial equity qua praxis - what ensued raised questions as to the role, purpose, and vision not only for education in Ontario but also for the type of advocacy expected from public officials. This is that story.
Seating is limited! Please register for this event HERE to secure your seat.
To find out about more events, join the GSJ events mailing list, email gsjadvis@uwaterloo.ca
The Urgency of Social Justice Speaker Series part 2
Gender, Computer Science, and Technology Panel Discussion:
- Jennifer Saul, Waterloo Chair in Social and Political Philosophy of Language, and Associate Chair Undergraduate Studies of Philosophy / Gender and Social Justice
- Joanne Atlee, Professor, and Director of Women in Computer Science, Cheriton School of Computer Science
- Lai-Tze Fan, the Canada Research Chair of Technology and Social Change, and an Assistant Professor of Sociology & Legal Studies and English Literature at the University of Waterloo
- Carla Fehr, Wolfe Chair in Scientific and Technological Literacy; Philosophy / Gender and Social Justice
News
2023 GSJ field trip to Stratford
It was so great to see everyone enjoying themselves in Stratford last weekend for the end-of-term GSJ field trip. We had absolutely perfect weather and what a great production of RENT! Thanks to all who joined.
New faculty member: Laura Mae Lindo
The Department of Philosophy is thrilled to announce that Laura Mae Lindo will be joining us as a new faculty member!
Challenging the rise of hate and misinformation
Philosopher Jennifer Saul is pushing the bounds of a classical discipline to combat racism, misogyny and the spread of misinformation