Jesuit Social Research Institute

Jesuit Social Research Institute is a research center located at Loyola University New Orleans, founded in 2007 by Society of Jesus to advance social justice and human rights through research, education, and advocacy. The institute is inspired by the Jesuit tradition of promoting faith and justice, as exemplified by Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, and other notable Jesuit figures such as Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and Anthony de Mello. The institute's work is informed by the principles of Catholic social teaching, as outlined in documents such as Pacem in Terris and Gaudium et Spes. The institute collaborates with other organizations, including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the National Catholic Rural Life Conference, and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

● History

The Jesuit Social Research Institute was established in 2007, building on the legacy of Loyola University New Orleans's commitment to social justice and community engagement. The institute's founding director was Fr. Fred Kammer, a Jesuit priest and former executive director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. The institute's early work focused on issues such as poverty, racism, and immigration, with a particular emphasis on the Gulf Coast region and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The institute has also been influenced by the work of other Jesuit institutions, such as the Jesuit Refugee Service and the Institute for Justice and Peace.

● Mission and Objectives

The Jesuit Social Research Institute's mission is to promote social justice and human rights through research, education, and advocacy, with a focus on the Gulf Coast region and the United States. The institute's objectives include conducting research on poverty, inequality, and social exclusion, as well as promoting community engagement and social activism through partnerships with community organizations and faith-based groups. The institute is guided by the principles of Catholic social teaching, as outlined in documents such as Rerum Novarum and Quadragesimo Anno. The institute also draws on the expertise of scholars and researchers from other institutions, including Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Oxford.

● Research Areas

The Jesuit Social Research Institute's research areas include poverty and inequality, immigration and refugee issues, racial justice and reconciliation, and environmental justice and sustainability. The institute has conducted research on topics such as the impact of Hurricane Katrina on low-income communities, the effects of immigration policy on family reunification, and the relationship between racism and economic inequality. The institute's research is informed by the work of scholars such as Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Émile Durkheim, as well as Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Si'. The institute has also collaborated with other research centers, including the Urban Institute, the Brookings Institution, and the Center for American Progress.

● Publications and Resources

The Jesuit Social Research Institute publishes a range of reports, briefs, and other resources on topics related to social justice and human rights. The institute's publications include the JustSouth Quarterly, a newsletter that highlights the institute's research and advocacy work, as well as reports on topics such as poverty and inequality in the Gulf Coast region. The institute also provides resources and tools for community organizations and faith-based groups working on social justice issues, including the Catholic Charities USA and the National Association of Social Workers. The institute's publications are informed by the work of scholars and researchers from other institutions, including Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and University of Chicago.

● Notable Initiatives and Partnerships

The Jesuit Social Research Institute has launched several notable initiatives and partnerships, including the Gulf Coast Justice Project, which focuses on environmental justice and human rights issues in the Gulf Coast region. The institute has also partnered with organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center, the National Immigration Law Center, and the American Civil Liberties Union to advance social justice and human rights. The institute has received funding from foundations such as the Ford Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Open Society Foundations. The institute has also collaborated with other Jesuit institutions, including the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States and the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.

● Organization and Leadership

The Jesuit Social Research Institute is directed by Fr. Tom Greene, a Jesuit priest and scholar with expertise in social justice and human rights. The institute's staff includes researchers, advocates, and community organizers with expertise in areas such as poverty, immigration, and environmental justice. The institute is governed by a board of directors that includes representatives from Loyola University New Orleans, the Society of Jesus, and other organizations committed to social justice and human rights, including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Catholic Relief Services. The institute is also advised by a council of scholars and experts from other institutions, including Yale University, Columbia University, and University of California, Los Angeles. Category:Jesuit institutions