Professors at the University of Memphis are being offered a stipend of up to $3,000 for implementing social justice into their lessons.
Professors would receive two separate installments of $1,500 the first payment would be made after they have submitted their revised syllabus along with a 500-word essay detailing their “philosophy,” the second payment would be made after their newly-designed class was taught.
In the email that was sent out by the university, they made it clear that they are doing this to infuse “diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice into existing courses/curriculum.”
These types of principles are being implemented more at colleges across the country. Students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas — current and former — were asked by YR Media if they would like to see these same types of incentives given to professors at their school.
“Of course,” said UNLV senior Jelani Baker. “Modern-day minds need to know what is presently going on within the communities they exist in. Some of those who hear those lessons will go on into politics, & can therefore change or improve their political ideas and beliefs. Though teaching “social justice” will have to align with highlighting past forms of injustice as well.”
Nathacha Nucamendi, a junior, echoed similar sentiments.
“Yes! Absolutely,” she said, adding, “I think being POC (people of color) would open the eyes to a lot of people that don’t even realize what’s going on around them, a lot of people don’t even know environmental injustice is a thing.”
D’Ante Haigler, a UNLV graduate, believes the university should focus on more than just social justice.
“UNLV could use some help when it comes to the criminal justice department. Social Justice is not more so on the agenda and should be implemented more, especially in today’s society. Educate those who are not educated,” said Haigler.
Baker agreed, sharing such courses would improve students’ campus experience.
“I would say it is needed considering how UNLV prides itself on its diversity. Diverse-related courses such as a social justice one would go hand-in-hand with the university’s motto and students,” he said.