Drew University last week announced a new minor in Environmental Justice, focusing on environmental activism and problem-solving, effective in Fall 2023.
The new program that deals with the social issues of environmentalism differs from the existing Environmental Science major and Environmental Studies and Sustainability minor which both focus on science and sustainability.
The new Environmental Justice minor serves as an addition to Drew’s curriculum for students looking to engage more with environmental issues.
Drew students are already involved in environmental activism with groups like the Drew Environmental Action League and Sustainability Committee. Students have also held events such as the annual Climate Teach-In and climate marches. Another club called Volunteers Without Borders has also made trips that reflect the fight for environmental justice.
“These kinds of classes and activities and opportunities have been in place for quite some time… it’s the fabric of Drew for a long time,” said Professor Marc Boglioli, Associate Professor of Anthropology.
Drew is joining a small group of schools in the Northeast that offer this type of program, Boglioli said.
“Having a minor is catching up to what we have been doing and making it official so students can have an actual credential,” he said.
The Environmental Justice minor will consist of an Intro to Envir. Justice class, four additional courses and an immersive experience that deals with environmental justice.
“The interesting thing about environmental studies, especially environmental justice, is just how immensely interdisciplinary it is,” he said.
He also added, “It is gratifying as a faculty member to be teaching at a place where so many people are interested in supporting this sort of minor… I feel lucky to be at a school that cultivates these sorts of interests among students.”
To learn more, check out the Drew University website and class catalog in the Fall of 2023.
Elizabeth Blank is a sophomore majoring in history and minoring in environmental justice and teaching.
