That’s the motto of the Stetson University chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). And, it’s precisely what faculty advisor Rajni Shankar-Brown, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Jessie Ball duPont Social Justice Education, is mentoring the chapter’s newly inducted president, Ruth Pierre-Charles on; bringing that motto to reality.

“I appreciate being a faculty member at Stetson University for many reasons, but especially because of passionate student leaders like Ruth,” said Shankar-Brown. “I have had the joy of working with Ruth on many initiatives including facilitating Black Lives Matter protests and other acts of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience aimed at increasing awareness of social inequities and calling for change. Ruth demonstrates enthusiasm for learning, strong initiative, and dedication. She is a student who lives her values. I am grateful to be a mentor in her life and to be allies in the march for social justice.”

Pierre-Charles’s primary initiative was to reignite the university’s chapter by collaborating with The Volusia/Flagler ACLU and a foundation of motivated faculty, passionate students, and executive board members while rallying community supporters to form a lasting advocacy.

The goal of the Stetson ACLU chapter is for students to have “an organization that transforms experiences of exploring societal issues and recognize that with virtuous and diligent leaders, over time, changes can happen,” says Pierre-Charles. Additionally, Shankar-Brown explains, “The struggle for civil rights continues today. The systemic nature of oppression, including classism, racism, sexism, ableism, heterosexism and the intersectionality of these ‘isms’ are relentless and pervasive, but I do believe change can happen.”

Both Pierre-Charles and Shankar-Brown believe in standing up to protect human rights and liberties, even if that means going against the grain. “We only need to look at history to remember that small groups of committed individuals can spark momentous social change! I often remind my students of Seneca Falls, Selma, and Stonewall, just to name a few,” says Shankar-Brown.

A majority of the chapter’s events are proposed by students who introduce their ideas and how they feel those ideas garner attention.

Two recent events were: The Ex-Felon Panel: Understanding the Day to Day Discrimination Felons Face and The Homeless Panel: A Revolving Cycle That Future Generations Can Break. Both events consisted of credible panel speakers with personal expertise in these atrocities, who work or have worked alongside those who have.

The Homeless Panel was an event sponsored by Stetson’s ACLU and the Student Homeless Coalition. Shankar-Brown serves as the faculty advisor for both of these student organizations and they partnered together for this event. The Homeless Panel consisted of area homeless champion Mike Pastore and M.B.A. student Caroline Skinner who were not only asked a set of pre-established questions, but also impromptu questions from student audience members as well.

“How do we know when we give money to a homeless beggar that our money won’t be used for drugs or booze?” Phil Yang queried. Skinner answered, “You can only answer for the intention of your own heart. We don’t always know the intention of others’ hearts.”

Tiffaney Langhorn, president for the Stetson Student Homeless Coalition, asked, “Is poverty and homelessness a spectrum of woven circumstances?” Shankar-Brown answered, “Yes, homelessness could be just one day away for some. Homelessness is complex and dynamic in nature. Research reveals that over 3.5 million people experience homelessness every year in the United States and when examining the economic spectrum, many are only one paycheck away from being homeless.”

Both events drew significant audiences. “Planning a successful event takes initiative and dedication,” says Pierre-Charles. “It is not measured by the crowd size but rather by the ripple impact on the community. Our main goal is to spark and educate all who attend about these topics so they can grasp that message and rise up!”

Shankar-Brown is hosting the second annual Poverty and Homelessness Conference at Stetson University on Oct. 23.

To learn more about Stetson’s campus chapter of the ACLU and upcoming events, please visit their Facebook page.

By Caroline Skinner