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Welcome to The Center for Social Justice Dialogue at UMBC, where we cultivate a campus culture rooted in empathy, cultural humility, and belonging. Through transformative educational experiences, we empower faculty, staff, and students to engage in meaningful dialogues that bridge differences and challenge systems of oppression while fostering a more loving and just world for all.

Image of three students sitting on the ground talking. One student is the focus of the image.
Photo by Kiirstn Pagan ’11

Established in 2024, the Center for Social Justice Dialogue serves as a catalyst for change within the UMBC community. By embracing intergroup dialogue theory and decolonized practices, we invite you to join us in deep exploration and shared learning. Together, we can expand the circle of belonging, embodying UMBC’s dedication to inclusive excellence and social justice.

At the Center for Social Justice Dialogue, we believe that dialogue is not just a practice but a way of being. We offer facilitated conversations, training programs, and immersive experiences designed to deepen understanding of self and others within the context of community and social justice. 

Sign up here to receive updates and information about opportunities to get involved with the Center for Social Justice Dialogue.

Critical Social Justice

Because the personal is always political

Critical Social Justice is a campus-wide initiative dedicated to deepening our collective understanding of equity, inclusion, and community care. Through panels, workshops, and creative...

Posted: October 5, 2026, 9:32 AM

Critical social justice is written at the top with a logo in the center of a fist emerging from a book, clasped around a pen. Across the bottom it reads "the personal is political"

Media Bytes: A CSJD Signature Event Series

Where media sparks meaningful dialogue.

Overall Series Description: Media Bytes is a signature series  from the Center for Social Justice Dialogue with programs designed and facilitated by Social Justice Dialogue Facilitation Fellows....

Posted: April 3, 2026, 12:45 PM

decorative text, "media bytes with the center for social justice dialogue"

Crafting Your Story: A CSJD Signature Event Series

An Event Series for Crafting & Connection

Overall Series Description: Crafting Your Story is a signature series  from the Center for Social Justice Dialogue with programs designed and facilitated by Social Justice Dialogue Facilitation...

Posted: March 10, 2026, 10:18 AM

A beige background with an orange, scalloped border on the left side. In the center is the text "CRAFTING YOUR STORY". Below it is the CSJD lockup, and to the right is an illustration of scissors cutting a piece of paper that is being written on.

Seeking Participants for Social Justice Dialogue Cohort Experiences

Faculty, staff and students: apply for SJDCE today!

The Social Justice Dialogues Cohort Experience (SJDCE) at UMBC invites participants from all perspectives and experiences to engage in meaningful conversations across difference. Rooted in...

Posted: March 3, 2026, 11:42 AM

Black and teal text over a beige background, surrounded by an icon of speech bubbles and the Center for Social Justice Dialogue logo: "SOCIAL JUSTICE DIALOGUES"

Seeking Participants for Your Story Belongs Here

A paid fellowship– apply by March 23rd!

Joining a new community can be tough sometimes. And with new Retrievers coming from every background imaginable, it's important to make sure everyone feels welcome when they get here....

Posted: March 2, 2026, 11:11 AM

Gold text centered over a teal background: YOUR STORY BELONGS HERE

REPOST: UMBC Talks: Inclusive Excellence

Contribute your story, voice, and perspective

Inclusive excellence has long been a cultural touchstone at UMBC. Before now, we haven't had a definition or any other shared language to describe what we mean. This is your chance to inform our...

Posted: March 2, 2026, 9:49 AM

Diverse individuals talking, overlaid with teal and bordered with gold Maryland-flag-themed borders. Across the entire image is white text: "UMBC Talks: Inclusive Excellence"