Brianna Heffner
  • chemistry
  • Class of 2017
  • Boyertown

Brianna Heffner Participates in LVC's Social Justice Institute

2015 Jan 6

Brianna Heffner of Boyertown, Pa. participated in Lebanon Valley College's Social Justice Institute. Heffner, a graduate of Boyertown Area Senior High School, is pursuing a bachelor of science in chemistry at The Valley.

The theme of the 2015 Social Justice Institute was "Civil Rights." As part of the trip, students traveled to Atlanta, Ga., to tour several historic locations and centers focused on the history of civil rights in the U.S. This year's activities included visits at the Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Archibald Smith Plantation, a reception with LVC alumni, and a theatrical showing of "Selma."

Additionally, the trip included a service component at Standup for Kids, a local Atlanta nonprofit whose mission is to help rescue homeless and at-risk youth.

Participants evolve from being appreciative of diversity to understanding systems that maintain oppression and privilege; develop strong leadership and critical thinking skills; and are eligible for membership in the Pallas Society, a campus-based social justice honor society.

As a result of their active engagement and participation in the Institute, students are able to:

  • Understand and explain what racism, sexism, heterosexism, and classism are as well as how they are maintained by power and privilege.
  • Understand and explain the interconnectedness of identity and the power/privilege given by the identity groups.
  • Understand and explain the difference between prejudice, discrimination, and oppression as well as the difference between appreciation/celebration of diversity and working for social justice.
  • Develop action plans to apply the knowledge gained at the institution and in the community.