Social Justice
Our Holistic Approach to Social Justice
CPDC recognizes that equity and inclusion has historically not been considered part of career development work, however we are committed to operating through a social justice lens to provide inclusive and accessible career development programs to our campus community.
ANTI-RACISM STATEMENT
Black lives not only matter, they are worthy, loved, and needed. In CPDC, we acknowledge that our work is situated within the context of higher education, a U.S. institution built on a legacy of white supremacy, colonization, and slavery. We also recognize our office operates within a predominantly white institution, in a predominantly white state, on stolen land. Specifically, the Bannock, Goshute, Navajo, Paiute, Shoshone, and Ute peoples lived on the land that is now considered Utah. We must confront this legacy of white supremacy and the context we exist within in order to dismantle racism. In CPDC, we recognize that equity and inclusion have historically not been considered part of career development work, and that the term “professionalism” has long been rooted in oppressive belief systems which have further oppressed People of Color for the past 400 years. We are committed to providing inclusive and accessible career development for our campus community which honors students’ identities and we know we cannot achieve this unless we operate from an anti-racist framework. As a team, we are united with the Black community and call for meaningful systemic change. We are committed to increasing our knowledge of social justice, while also taking decisive action to be anti-racist.
AAPI SOLIDARITY STATEMENT
Our heart aches as we see and hear yet another senseless act of hate crime that happened recently to our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community. We recognize that this is not an isolated act of violence – this is a systemic and racist issue that has been happening for hundreds of years. In the past year especially, we have undoubtedly seen an increase in racist and xenophobic attacks against Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders.
We acknowledge that there is a range of difficult emotions we and our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community members are experiencing due to continual harassment and discrimination, and especially the recent violence against 8 people, including 6 women of Asian descent, in Georgia on Tuesday. These emotions may include hurt, sadness, grief, frustration, heartbreak, anger, fear, and anxiety. We also want to acknowledge that your feelings and responses to this heinous act are valid.
We condemn anti-Asian hate, violence, xenophobia, discrimination, and racism. We are committed to taking decisive action to support our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community and working together to foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive community. The Career and Professional Development Center is here to support, in addition to the numerous resources across campus. Click here to access the University of Utah’s statement of solidarity and resources available for support, please reach out if you need to.
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