On Oct. 21, a man named Troy Davis was executed after spending 20 years in prison for being convicted of murder. Throughout his ordeal, he continually claimed that he was innocent, even until his death.
His case was picked up by a variety of important people who all believe in his innocence and were trying desperately to save him from being executed. Davis’ conviction created a renewed concern with the death penalty in the United States and it became even more closely questioned as to whether it is representative of true justice.
One of the student clubs on campus has taken up this topic of discussion for the month of October. JuST (Justice and Service in Tacoma), a club that meets a few times a month, talks about social justice and the opportunity for service in the community.
The theme for the month is the Prison Industrial Complex. During discussions, members talk about the flaws within the prison and justice system, as well as examine articles and movies documenting the Prison Abolition Movement.
JuST not only provides a place where students can gather to talk about social justice issues, which is one of the main goals of the club, but also provides unique opportunities to become more involved and aware of the community around them. This month the club is offering the chance for people to learn more about the Prison Abolition Movement through a documentary called Visions of Abolition: From Critical Resistance to a New Way of Life. On Oct. 24, Professor Stuart Smithers will give a talk about the Purdy Women’s Prison and the work he is doing there.
Club advisor Roman Christiaens is also working with the Northwest Detention Center Roundtable (NWDC) to get JuST more involved in the community and hopefully to attend one of the monthly meetings.
The NWDC is a nonprofit organization that provides help for detainees and their families. By being able to attend one of the meetings, JuST may be able to gain more insight into the justice system in Tacoma and further their knowledge about such systems as the Detention Center.
On the last Saturday of the month, JuST usually completes a community service project that is connected to the month’s theme. This month there is not one scheduled, in order to get more members interested in the group and to more fully develop the topic of discussion. However, there are plans to make connections with a single service agency to work with more during the year.
JuST allows students to share their thoughts about social justice issues that are important to them. Members are able to intelligently discuss these issues with other people who share strong opinions, as well as provide information about many community issues and the means and opportunities to become more involved with the community.
JuST meets on Mondays from 5-6 in the Wheelock Student Center, room 201.