Cross Cultural Issues in Environmental Justice:
Learning Through Listening
By Noelia Cedillo
Spring 2004

Course Objectives

To take a non-traditional action research approach to learning about Environmental Justice in Oregon. Through listening, analysis and collaboration with different community stakeholders including: farmers, environmental activists, state legislators, urban planners, economists, health care providers, extension services, urban developers, media reporters, fishing industry representatives, and community residents, also to developed a better understanding of the complex web of issues that exist in trying to achieve environmental justice in the State of Oregon today. To reflect on the course readings, writing journal entries, formulating questions for the stakeholders, processing interviews and watching short films on the topic to get a better understanding of the ways in which various stakeholder groups in Oregon regard the issue of environmental justice from their own standpoint.  The course embodied a non-traditional approach to learning that blurred the boundaries between teacher/ student/ community/ researchers. 

Instructors

Dwaine Plaza
Kurt Peters
Paul Barkley

Experience

I have never, in my life, experienced such an intensive course!!!  It began on March 21 and ended on March 25, 2004 (Spring Break).  This was not the average week of a College student, by and far I think it was the most intense; and yet, I learned so much more than I would have in a traditional setting.  We spoke to more individuals about what was important, in the subject matter, and we were allowed to run the class to fit our own ideals of what we wanted to get out of the class.  I have personally learned so much more than I could have ever hoped to learn in on week, and I know that everything that was learned, will not only reach those of us that were lucky enough to be a participant in the class, but also it will reach all those who read these pages and those who we have told.

Environmental Justice

The actual definition of Environmental Justice that I have taken from the course booklet in the section of "The Voice" gives the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has a definition as follows: "The fair and meaningful involvement of all peoples regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.  Fair treatment means that no group of people, including racial ethnic or socioeconomic group should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, municipal and commercial operations or the execution of federal, state, local and tribal programs and policies." I am fully aware that there may be some other definitions on this very same term and I have learned that it is absolutely fine.  The reason for this is because every person has their own definition of what Environmental Justice means to them; every single on of our stakeholders had a different idea of what it meant to them.

Other Environmental Justice Web Pages

In looking for the definition of Environmental Justice (EJ), there are many Web Pages that give so much information on their own definition of EJ, along with their principals.  One Web Page that I found to be particularly interesting was Swathmore Environmental Justice Defence or another Web Page was Environmental Protection Agency.  And don't forget to visit Environmental Justice Resources Center also.

Another Page that I found to be very interesting was which is the Web Page for EJAG (Environmental Justice Action Group), which also happened to be one of the groups that we heard from in our week class.

If anyone wanted to get any more information on Environmental Justice, I would suggest that they look anywhere on the internet and search for Environmental Justice.  

Spring Break Field Course Pictures

Our first day together as a group, not knowing what we are about to face!!!

A day at the Coast......AHHHHHH, our second day and still going strong.

The third day is in Salem where we find that exhaustion sets in.

Our Final Presentation at Westminister House!!!!  The week is through and we get to show how much we have learned to those who were our stakeholders.