The Muslim Student Union strives to bring to life the Islamic teachings to “enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong” through the pursuit of social justice for those suffering oppression and exploitation both domestically and internationally. As a vocal and firm advocate for victims of injustice, the Muslim Student Union aims to make strides towards creating awareness of issues regarding social injustice, paving a path for changing attitudes, perspectives, and support. In June 2010, MSU was awarded the Social Justice Award by the Cross Cultural Center’s annual ‘Diversity Awards’ for championing issues of justice both foreign and domestic. Throughout the year, MSU was involved with activism regarding the tuition hikes, worker rights and denouncing racism on other UC campuses and recieved the Praxis Award from CCC at Anteater Awards for demonstrating “commitment to transforming structures of inequality & injustices through reflection & action.” in 2011.
Anti-Oppression Week
Injustice occurs on a global and local scale and takes on several different forms. For one week during Spring Quarter, MSU seeks to explore the various ways in which oppression operates around the world. During the week, we focus on a few issues and host events that aim to explain the situation and help establish an understanding of our relation to the struggle by creating a sense of humanity. Whether it’s the current budget crisis within our education system or the war in Afghanistan, it is our mission to inform our peers about current issues in which we can play an active role. As students, we are an integral part of a larger community and it is important to educate ourselves about the world and find ways in which we can create a world of equality.
Palestine Awareness Week
The annual week-long series of events entitled Palestine Awareness Week hosted by the Muslim Student Union aims to educate and raise awareness on campus about the plight of the Palestinian people, who have been living under illegal occupation for over 63 years. In an academic environment which promotes understanding and engagement in the domestic and global world, the Muslim Student Union pursues the advocacy of social justice for all, with the hope that this knowledge will turn into action.
