Mission and Vision  |  Origins  |  Objective  |  Members
President’s JEI Statement  |  Accomplishments
Student Affinity Groups  |  Student Senate  |  Alums
JEI Events  |  Confidential Feedback

Union Theological Seminary is absolute in its commitment to be an antiracist, anti-oppressive social justice institution. To this end, The Justice, Equity, and Inclusion (JEI) Committee are committed to the unrelenting work of addressing the interpersonal, institutional, and structural dynamics that perpetuate racism and all forms of oppression.

The JEI Committee is an official seminary committee that operates alongside other institutional committees. However, the work of the JEI Committee falls most actively under Union’s Center for Community Engagement & Social Justice. The JEI Committee works alongside President Serene Jones in the work of making Union a more just institution.

Origins

On May 20, 2020, Black faculty, students, and staff convened a virtual town hall to hear the experiences and concerns of Black students while at Union. Afterward, the Black Caucuses jointly submitted formal recommendations to the seminary’s administration. One of the recommendations was for ongoing antiracist and unconscious bias training. A small and diverse committee of faculty, staff and students interviewed potential consultants during the 2021-2022 academic year. Majors Leadership Group was selected, and in the Fall of 2021 the JEI initiative was formally launched. We acknowledge and thank all of our students, alums, faculty and staff who have worked to advance JEI at Union. 

Objectives

As a diverse group representing various groups of Union’s community, the JEI Committee was created to be the voice of institutional accountability and self-reflection, as it relates to antiracism and oppression in all forms at Union. Our work is centered on the following objectives:

1. Identifying and addressing barriers that hinder Union’s commitment to antiracism and oppression; and providing guidance and support with strategies that remove these barriers.
2. Holding grace-space for institutional reflection, accountability, growth, and healing, as it relates to the dismantling of racism and all forms of oppression. Central to this objective will be engaging the principles of restorative justice: a) repairing harm; b) strengthening relationships and understanding through empathy; and c) rebuilding trust.
3. Providing ongoing critical assessment of Union’s effectiveness in addressing issues associated with justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and overcoming any barriers.

GOVErnance and membership

Drawn from across the seminary and include students, staff, Trustee members, and faculty, our 2022-2023 Committee Members are: 

Interested in being a member of the JEIC?

If you are interested in learning more about the JEIC, please download the JEIC Handbook for more information.

DOWNLOAD JEIC HANDBOOK HERE

JEI Work and Accomplishments

• Reparative payment made in 60s
• President’s Note: Thanksgiving & National Day of Mourning