Once again an Arizona university is making national headlines for creating environments that foster anything but academic freedom. This time around, the University of Arizona, and its “Social Justice Advocates” (SJA) are the subject of an article by the Daily Caller.
“Sounding a bit like a block leader in Soviet Russia, SJAs will “openly lead conversations, discuss differences, and confront diversely insensitive behavior.” When students are not complying with social justice standards, SJAs are encouraged to tattle on their peers, reveal the deviant actions to higher authorities and “report any bias incidents or claims to appropriate Residence Life staff,” according to David Krayden with the Daily Caller.
It appears the Social Justice Advocate positions have been filled. At $10 an hour, money was not likely the draw for candidates. The job notice advises candidates that if they are chosen they will be “recognized as a top percentile student leader on campus.” With a minimum 2.% GPA required for the job, “top percentile student” does not likely refer to a student’s academic performance.
Job Abstract
Social Justice Advocates (SJA) will be responsible for instituting monthly programmatic efforts within the residence halls that focus specifically on social justice issues – including the mosaic of diversity, multiculturalism and inclusivity. They will also create bulletin boards in the halls and maintain their upkeep as necessary. SJA’s will hold Social Justice (SJ) Modules once a month for the RAs that will take place during RA staff meetings and host dialogues twice a semester within the community to maintain an understanding of the residents’ comfortability while in the halls. SJAs will meet with the Assistant Director of Social Justice Education each month for module training and preparation. SJAs will also arrive to campus in August for SJA training before the Fall term begins. The Social Justice Advocate position is an at-will position, and thus, all applicants must reapply annually.
Job Expectations
Social Justice Advocates will:
- Create an environment that enables Residence Life student leaders to dialogue around topics related to diversity, multiculturalism and social justice;
- Increase awareness and knowledge of diverse identities and how they influence interactions;
- Promote inclusive communities through positive interactions and increase resources available for staff on topics relating to diversity, multiculturalism and social justice;
Honor and complete all other duties as assigned;
- Be punctual in all position-related functions and tasks;
- Report any bias incidents or claims to appropriate Residence Life staff.
Job Responsibilities
Social Justice Advocates will:
- Plan and execute one active and one passive social justice program per month within the halls;
- Work an average of 15 hours per week
- Plan and host residence hall ‘Real Talks’ twice a semester;
- Lead Social Justice Act to React (A2R) modules for Resident Assistants (RAs) at one staff meeting per month or as assigned;
- Partner with Advocates Coming Together at least once a semester to do programming;
- Report directly to the Assistant Director of Social Justice Education and as necessary, the Graduate Assistant for Social Justice Education;
- Create and maintain SJA Bulletin boards in the halls;
- Attend monthly meetings with the Assistant Director of Social Justice Education and/or Graduate Assistant for Social Justice Education.
- Applicants were asked to submit a resume and writing sample.
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