The Social Justice Committee
At Delbarton, the Social Justice Committee plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture of empathy, responsibility, and active citizenship among our students. Rooted in the school’s Benedictine values, the committee empowers students to engage deeply and meaningfully with pressing social issues, encouraging them to become informed, compassionate leaders in their communities.
A Student-Led Initiative
The Social Justice Committee is primarily student-led, with members from various grade levels collaborating to design and implement initiatives that promote awareness and action on social justice topics. This structure not only provides students with leadership opportunities but also ensures that the initiatives resonate with their peers, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment to the causes they champion.
Freshman Social Justice Workshops
One of the committee’s hallmark programs is the Freshman Social Justice Workshop, held twice annually. These workshops are designed to introduce ninth-grade students to critical social issues through interactive discussions and activities. Upperclassmen lead the workshops, serving as mentors and facilitators, which strengthens the bonds within the school community and provides younger students with relatable role models.
Each workshop consists of three parts. The first part is an introduction by the faculty moderator of the Social Justice Committee, Mr. Conn. In his introduction, Mr. Conn introduces the topic the committee is introducing to the freshmen, and explains how the topic relates to the Catholic Social Teachings. After the introduction, the freshmen break into small groups and attend a variety of presentations conducted by members of the Social Justice Committee. The presentations address different aspects of the topic and provide a safe space for students to discuss their views. Finally, the small groups coalesce once again to reflect on what they have learned before parting for some well deserved lunch!
On January 24th, the first Social Justice Workshop was conducted to address the rise in anti-semitism in the United States. In the various small group discussions, upperclassmen and freshman alike discussed the effects of social media on antisemitism, the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, and the history of Zionism and Judaism as a whole. Ultimately, the Delbarton freshman left the workshop with new ideas of how to promote an even more inclusive and strong community of brothers.
On April 11th, the second Social Justice Workshop was held to discuss the role of the United States in global leadership and world conflicts. Students learned about what constitutes a “just” war, and applied this newfound knowledge in conversations about the Uighur Genocide, the Taiwan Conflict, and the Drug War along the Mexican border, in order to determine what role the United States should play in foreign conflicts.
Commitment to Continuous Growth
The Social Justice Committee’s efforts are aligned with Delbarton’s broader commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). The school continuously evaluates and enhances its programs to ensure they reflect the evolving needs of its community and the broader societal landscape. By integrating DEIB principles into all aspects of school life, Delbarton strives to create an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to the common good.
Conclusion
Through the initiatives of the Social Justice Committee, Delbarton School exemplifies its dedication to developing young men who are not only academically proficient but also socially conscious and morally grounded. By providing students with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to engage with social justice issues, Delbarton ensures that its graduates are prepared to lead lives of purpose and integrity, making meaningful contributions to society.
