• OVC Social Justice Resource Page | #OVCforChange Engagement Series Archive
As part of the
#OVCforChange initiative, OVC student-athletes, coaches and administrators will engage in dialogue to help shape a course of action and invoke change on a variety of social issues impacting their lives.
This week's feature is with SIUE head athletic trainer
Gerry Schlemer. Schlemer began his athletic training career in 1982 as a student athletic trainer at SIUE and returned in 2004 to become the school's fifth head athletic trainer at his alma mater.
Why is it important to be an advocate for social change/justice?
"The phrase equal justice for all is a sacred foundation of our country. If we as a people or a country don’t support that for all people regardless of race, creed, orientation, or nation of origin, then we have lost something very special. Change takes looking from the other person’s perspective and not from your own and to have the humanity and humility to advocate for those changes."
What are the responsibilities of the individual in regard to issues of social justice?
"To observe the golden rule: Treat others as you wish to be treated. We are all human beings. The other responsibilities that we need to do is to appreciate and respect the difference that makes us all individuals. Viva La Difference"
What should we be doing as a society to combat social inequality?
"Address the issues that divide us. Poverty, income Inequality, hate, education funding differences, quality affordable healthcare, mental health issues, social safety net, food insecurity/availability, housing insecurity/homelessness,and inclusion.
Be sensitive to our shared history and the monuments, memorials, names, locations, injustices and sacrifice that people endured. Always remember that someone’s sense of pride in something can also invoke revulsion/fear/pain in someone else. Our history was made by imperfect and flawed individuals. Location, context, and interpretation should be taken into account with all things."
What other emotions would you like to express about the current state of our society?
"The utter insensitivity to fellow humans by others perplexes and vexes me."