Carleton students were given a chance to consider human rights issues, societal inequalities, and question the status quo through events taking place during Social Justice Week events, which began Oct. 25.

The second annual event, organized by the Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA), began with the Social Justice Fair, held in the university’s Atrium. CUSA reportedly invited 30 groups and clubs to the event, with a final attendance of 28 in order for Carleton students to meet with both on- and off-campus groups in the social justice initiative.

On Oct. 26, the week continued with a forum for discussion with representatives from several Carleton unions. The forum was meant to update students on recent labour negotiations, which makes it especially relevant, according to CUSA vice-president (finance) Meera Chander.

“Last year’s events were generalized,” she said. “This year relates much more to our campus.”

For the past two years, Carleton has hosted the Canadian Federation of Student’s (CFS) Taskforce Against Campus Racism. This year, the project has involved an interactive video gallery, with a final compilation of student voices and videos being posted on YouTube.

“There are so many misconceptions about racism,” said Geisha Chin, a second-year neuroscience student. “I mean, it still exists. It affects us in ways you would think it doesn’t.”

“One of the hallmarks of the Carleton community is its active engagement on issues,” said director of the department of university communications Jason MacDonald in an email. “That engagement with the world — which is evident in activities undertaken by students, like Social Justice Week — is a strength not just of the Carleton community, but of the university itself.”

Unfortunately, the event planned for Oct. 28 had to be scaled back when representatives from Canadian Blood Services could not attend the scheduled “End the Blood Ban” debate. Representatives from CUSA still plan to distribute information, Chander said, though the debate itself has been postponed until further notice.

“We started [the project] last year because we thought that students could learn a lot from all the issues we tackle during the week,” Chander said. “It gets students talking.”