PNW’s Center for Global Studies wants to mobilize the university community to do something about Northwest Indiana’s environment. 

The group organized a presentation by Cheryl Johnson, executive director of People for Community Recovery, which advocates for environmental improvements in the area. In her presentation, Johnson said the Region has a history of sacrificing environment for industry. 

“We need to make sure that we are … recognizing the histories of oppression and inequality that have come with industrial innovations,” said Austin Hestdalen, a professor in the Department of Communication and Creative Arts who organized the presentation. 

He said the Region has a history of environmental inequality and that it has been what he called  “a designated ‘sacrifice zone’ for industries”. 

Several students said the meeting raised their awareness of the issue.

“What I got from the presentation was a deeper understanding of how air pollution impacts different communities, specifically underdeveloped, poor communities,” said Odeh Issa, a junior in Communications.

He said that he remains hopeful about the future as long as people commit to change. 

“I think it is very important to educate our generation and during this presentation I realized how much more education we still need on environmental issues,” said Gianna Hough, a senior Psychology major. 

Some students who grew up in the Region said they were motivated to act.

“This presentation … gave me a greater insight of the dangers that come with issues that my community has gone through dealing, such as lead contamination,” said Stephanie Lozano, a senior majoring in Communications. “This presentation helped me understand how to get involved.”

Environment #3