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Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Mission

We are Loyola University Chicago’s interdisciplinary hub dedicated to advancing racial justice and equity through academic excellence. 

We recognize that true progress requires collective action informed by both theory and practice. To that end, we closely collaborate with external partners across sectors, extending our reach far beyond the university campus through three key approaches: accelerate change-making research, develop transformational educational initiatives, and cultivate community-driven collaboration.

  1. Accelerate change-making research aimed at dismantling systemic inequities across interconnected fronts like health outcomes, economic mobility, and access to quality education. We serve as a dynamic catalyst within the university, amplifying and celebrating existing racial justice efforts while expanding their reach and impact. Collaborating closely with faculty, students, and cross-sector community partners, we generate a powerful synergy that extends far beyond the confines of our campus. We recognize that achieving true progress requires action and collaboration.
  2. Develop transformational education initiatives that extend beyond theory and empower students and scholars to translate knowledge into meaningful action. As an academic unit, we harness the collective expertise of faculty, leveraging their research and teaching to illuminate pathways toward justice. We cultivate an inclusive environment, allowing faculty to deeply engage with racial justice scholarship, infusing their classrooms, research, and mentorship with critical insights.
  3. Cultivate community-driven collaboration by co-creating solutions with trusted partners, bridging academic rigor with on-the-ground wisdom. We honor the knowledge and practical skills of community members who navigate racial realities daily. We bridge theory and practice through authentic partnerships, co-creating solutions, challenging assumptions, and dismantling barriers. Community members bring invaluable lived expertise to our shared table, and we listen, learn, and act in solidarity with their experiences and aspirations.

Vision

We envision a future where racial equity is not an elusive dream, but a concrete reality woven into the fabric of society. 

As a university-based institute rooted in Ignatian values of social justice and action, we aim to bridge the gap between knowledge creation and real-world solutions that dismantle racist systems and replace them with inclusive, equitable ecosystems founded on hope and equal dignity for all.

What We Do

We bring people, organizations, and resources together to collaboratively design and test new strategies meant to address pressing economic, education, and health needs. These efforts allow IRJ to serve as a catalytic partner in dismantling long-standing racial inequities in the greater Chicagoland area while simultaneously providing transformational learning experiences for youth and adult learners that is aimed at building the next generation of socially conscious, ethical, and diverse racial justice and equity scholars.

 

Core Values (the HAART of all we do)

Humanity. We believe in the equal, inherent, and inviolable dignity of every human being, regardless of race, ethnicity, or any other characteristic. We uphold all individuals' intrinsic worth and dignity, recognizing that everyone deserves respect, fairness, and compassion. We are committed to advancing racial justice as a fundamental aspect of promoting the common good and fostering inclusive communities where everyone can thrive free from discrimination and oppression.

Accessibility. Education and open dialogue are vital tools for advancing racial equity. We believe access to learning opportunities and the free exchange of ideas should be available to the broadest range of people without barriers. This requires proactively designing inclusive programs, communications, and spaces that are welcoming, representative, and empower diverse voices and perspectives to engage fully.

Accountability. Authentic progress on racial justice depends on developing deep, sustained relationships built on mutual accountability, trust, and follow-through. We take full responsibility for our words, actions, commitments, and impacts. We expect the same high level of ethical accountability from the individuals, communities, and partner organizations with whom we collaborate on this journey toward equity and justice.

Reflection. Continuous learning, unlearning, and improvement lie at the heart of dismantling the entrenched, complex systems and mindsets that perpetuate racial injustice. We embrace an ongoing cycle of critical self-reflection - questioning assumptions, expanding our understanding, and evolving individually and collectively. This persistent growth mindset is a non-negotiable requirement.

Transformative Action. Creating substantive, lasting change toward racial equity requires active participation from all members of society in transforming unjust conditions. We believe collective action can reshape institutions, policies, and social norms and construct an anti-racist society. Our role is to inspire, equip, and join arms with people taking on this transformative work.


If you have questions or want to get involved with IRJ please contact us at racialjustice@luc.edu.

Mission

We are Loyola University Chicago’s interdisciplinary hub dedicated to advancing racial justice and equity through academic excellence. 

We recognize that true progress requires collective action informed by both theory and practice. To that end, we closely collaborate with external partners across sectors, extending our reach far beyond the university campus through three key approaches: accelerate change-making research, develop transformational educational initiatives, and cultivate community-driven collaboration.

  1. Accelerate change-making research aimed at dismantling systemic inequities across interconnected fronts like health outcomes, economic mobility, and access to quality education. We serve as a dynamic catalyst within the university, amplifying and celebrating existing racial justice efforts while expanding their reach and impact. Collaborating closely with faculty, students, and cross-sector community partners, we generate a powerful synergy that extends far beyond the confines of our campus. We recognize that achieving true progress requires action and collaboration.
  2. Develop transformational education initiatives that extend beyond theory and empower students and scholars to translate knowledge into meaningful action. As an academic unit, we harness the collective expertise of faculty, leveraging their research and teaching to illuminate pathways toward justice. We cultivate an inclusive environment, allowing faculty to deeply engage with racial justice scholarship, infusing their classrooms, research, and mentorship with critical insights.
  3. Cultivate community-driven collaboration by co-creating solutions with trusted partners, bridging academic rigor with on-the-ground wisdom. We honor the knowledge and practical skills of community members who navigate racial realities daily. We bridge theory and practice through authentic partnerships, co-creating solutions, challenging assumptions, and dismantling barriers. Community members bring invaluable lived expertise to our shared table, and we listen, learn, and act in solidarity with their experiences and aspirations.

Vision

We envision a future where racial equity is not an elusive dream, but a concrete reality woven into the fabric of society. 

As a university-based institute rooted in Ignatian values of social justice and action, we aim to bridge the gap between knowledge creation and real-world solutions that dismantle racist systems and replace them with inclusive, equitable ecosystems founded on hope and equal dignity for all.

What We Do

We bring people, organizations, and resources together to collaboratively design and test new strategies meant to address pressing economic, education, and health needs. These efforts allow IRJ to serve as a catalytic partner in dismantling long-standing racial inequities in the greater Chicagoland area while simultaneously providing transformational learning experiences for youth and adult learners that is aimed at building the next generation of socially conscious, ethical, and diverse racial justice and equity scholars.

 

Core Values (the HAART of all we do)

Humanity. We believe in the equal, inherent, and inviolable dignity of every human being, regardless of race, ethnicity, or any other characteristic. We uphold all individuals' intrinsic worth and dignity, recognizing that everyone deserves respect, fairness, and compassion. We are committed to advancing racial justice as a fundamental aspect of promoting the common good and fostering inclusive communities where everyone can thrive free from discrimination and oppression.

Accessibility. Education and open dialogue are vital tools for advancing racial equity. We believe access to learning opportunities and the free exchange of ideas should be available to the broadest range of people without barriers. This requires proactively designing inclusive programs, communications, and spaces that are welcoming, representative, and empower diverse voices and perspectives to engage fully.

Accountability. Authentic progress on racial justice depends on developing deep, sustained relationships built on mutual accountability, trust, and follow-through. We take full responsibility for our words, actions, commitments, and impacts. We expect the same high level of ethical accountability from the individuals, communities, and partner organizations with whom we collaborate on this journey toward equity and justice.

Reflection. Continuous learning, unlearning, and improvement lie at the heart of dismantling the entrenched, complex systems and mindsets that perpetuate racial injustice. We embrace an ongoing cycle of critical self-reflection - questioning assumptions, expanding our understanding, and evolving individually and collectively. This persistent growth mindset is a non-negotiable requirement.

Transformative Action. Creating substantive, lasting change toward racial equity requires active participation from all members of society in transforming unjust conditions. We believe collective action can reshape institutions, policies, and social norms and construct an anti-racist society. Our role is to inspire, equip, and join arms with people taking on this transformative work.


If you have questions or want to get involved with IRJ please contact us at racialjustice@luc.edu.