The Social Justice Summit at Cal Poly Humboldt is an annual, student-organized event that challenges societal narratives and creates a space for transformative dialogue. Rooted in the principles of equity, inclusion, and justice, the summit uplifts the experiences of communities of color, queer, disabled, and other intersectional communities.
Dedicated to learning, community-building, and advocacy, this year’s theme aims to celebrate the people and cultures within the University and community, shed light on important issues, and provide a platform for the voices of the communities with collective experiences.
This year’s keynote speaker includes Mimi Khúc, PhD., a writer, scholar, and teacher of things unwell. She is the creator of the acclaimed mental health projects, Open in Emergency and the Asian American Tarot, and the author of dear elia: Letters from the Asian American Abyss. The book takes a deep dive into the depths of Asian American unwellness at the intersections of ableism, model minoritization, and the university, and an exploration of new approaches to building collective care.
dear elia is a hybrid scholarly-arts project that traces the contemporary mental health crisis at its many intersections with what she calls “compulsory wellness” and through that asks readers to engage their own unwellness. In it, Khúc introduces her pedagogy of unwellness framework—the recognition that people are all differentially unwell and thus all in need of radical care, an offering set to revolutionize the fields of mental health, Asian American studies, disability studies, and higher education more broadly. Join the Social Justice Summit to explore what a pedagogy of unwellness reveals for the University community during her keynote address at the Great Hall (above the College Creek Marketplace) at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 6.
This year’s Social Justice Summit is made possible through the support of various partners, including the Department of Critical Race, Gender & Sexuality Studies, the Asian Desi Pacific Islander-Middle East & North African Collective, the Office of Student Life, equity arcata, and Associated Students, among others.
Monday, March 3
Building Belonging: Exploring Equity, Community, and Cultural Awareness
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; Goodwin Forum, Nelson Hall East 102
An interactive session that explores key concepts of equity, belonging, and cultural awareness, focusing on how to apply them in our daily lives and community work. Through reflective exercises and open dialogue, participants will discuss the difference between belonging and fitting in, the mission and purpose of equity arcata and Cal Poly Humboldt’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and explore personal and collective "why" statements that drive our commitment to this work.
Colonial Histories of “Modern” Aesthetics
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.; Library Fishbowl
A presentation explores how colonialism has shaped American “bohemian” design and aesthetics, particularly through the appropriation of Mexican and South Asian cultures. Using case studies of American companies that sell Mexican and South Asian-inspired products, participants will analyze transnational colonialism’s impact on these cultural art forms and the power dynamics of privilege and labor exploitation.
Tuesday, March 4
ODEI—Collective Engagement for Anti-Racism
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.; Goodwin Forum, Nelson Hall East 102
Inspired by NADOHE’s anti-racism framework and Audre Lorde’s The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House, Cal Poly Humboldt initiated a campus-wide consultative process in Spring 2023 to update its Institutional Anti-Racism Action Plan (IARAP).
This effort included 14 consultations with faculty, staff, students, and leadership, focusing on community engagement, co-creation of knowledge, and reflective practice. By engaging approximately 500 campus members, the initiative has helped shape sustainable, long-term anti-racism strategies and recommendations.
The Redemption Project—Hosted by Project Rebound
Noon – 1:30 p.m.; Goodwin Forum, Nelson Hall East 102
Join Project Rebound for a screening of The Redemption Project with Van Jones (Episode: “Officer Down”). This powerful episode explores themes of accountability, healing, and second chances through a facilitated dialogue between a victim’s family and the person responsible for their loss.
Following the screening, participants will hold an open discussion on restorative justice, incarceration, and pathways to reconciliation. Food will be provided by A Slice of Humboldt.
Responding to Technology Gendered Violence
3 p.m.; Founders Hall 177
This community-driven workshop will address the increasing prevalence of gendered violence and harassment online. Participants will learn tools developed by the Sexual Assault Prevention Committee to support individuals experiencing technology-facilitated harm.
Wednesday, March 5
Lifelong Learning
4 – 6 p.m.; Native American Forum, Behavioral & Social Sciences 162
This 90-minute workshop will explore how lifelong learning promotes health, social connection, and purpose in older adulthood. Drawing from experiences teaching at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Cal Poly Humboldt, participants will discuss issues such as isolation, chronic health conditions, and ageism.
A panel of five local experts in elder care, aging, and University staff will share insights on how continuous learning fosters resilience and empowerment.
Thursday, March 6
Navigating Higher Education—Scholars Without Borders
1 - 2 p.m.; Founders Hall 232
Undocumented college students face unique challenges, including limited access to resources, financial aid, and employment opportunities. This workshop will examine the systemic barriers they navigate and propose strategies to improve institutional support.
Findings from in-depth interviews with undocumented students will be shared, highlighting the need for mentorship programs, financial aid access, and community spaces. This research advocates for the creation of an Undocumented Student Resource Center at Cal Poly Humboldt.
Unwellness and Care in the University with Mimi Khúc (keynote speaker)
3 p.m.; The Great Hall, College Creek Community Center 260
Mimi Khúc’s new book, dear elia: Letters from the Asian American Abyss, explores Asian American mental health, model minority myths, and the role of universities in fostering (or failing to foster) collective care.
Sanctuary Schools Now!
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.; Library Fishbowl
This session will highlight the advocacy efforts of Centro del Pueblo’s Youth Council against anti-immigrant policies in schools. Through cultural projects and activism, high school students are creating safe spaces for themselves and their peers.
Friday, March 7
Beyond Borders—Scholars Without Borders
10 a.m. – noon; Harry Griffith Hall 117
This session will showcase how Latiné youth advocacy is shaping schools through art and cultural projects. In partnership with Centro del Pueblo, participants will explore how high school students are using activism to challenge hateful rhetoric and create inclusive environments.
Participants will engage in discussions on how to support youth-led movements for immigrant rights and education reform.
Herstory—The Women's Resource Center
1 – 2 p.m.; Goodwin Forum, Nelson Hall East 102
This workshop will explore the history of women of color engaging in civil disobedience as a form of resistance. Participants will examine how revolutionary change occurs when marginalized communities fight back against oppressive systems.