- medical technology
- Class of 2016
- Lancaster, Pa.
Tara Thapaliya Participates in LVC's Social Justice Institute
2016 Jan 27
Tara Thapaliya of Lancaster, Pa. participated in Lebanon Valley College's Social Justice Institute from January 13-15 in Washington, D.C. Thapaliya, a graduate of JP McCaskey East High School, is pursuing a bachelor of science in biochemistry and molecular biology at The Valley.
Students participated in lectures and workshops about oppression and how it affects communities, specifically in the D.C. area. A day of service was spent helping to prepare meals for the homeless with D.C. Central Kitchen. Students also participated in a walking tour about the gentrification of a lower income neighborhood in D.C.
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.