LA MIRADA, CALIF. Biola University will host the second annual Justice, Spirituality, and Education (JSE) Conference on March 16, 2013 to address issues pertaining to social justice and education.

Feb. 20 named World Day of Social Justice by the United Nations in 2007 is indicative of the worlds movement towards concern and care for social justice. More so, the current generation is defining itself as one of the most passionate generations about social justice — just look at the rising number of social justice movements on college campuses. At this year’s JSE conference, 30 presenters will address topics such as poverty, anti-trafficking, genocide, theology, alcoholism and the individual’s role in bringing change to the world.

Keynote speaker Stephan Bauman, current CEO of World Relief, will open the conference with the message "Do We Dare Disturb the Universe? Doing Justice Well Today.” Bauman holds a masters degrees in both international public policy and intercultural studies, and has also worked for World Hope International and Mercy Ships International.

This year’s conference will focus on the theme of grounded action.

"Grounded in that we never forget our need for the cross as we hope in God’s mercy and are inspired by the example and words of justice modeled in Jesus,” explains David Costillo, recruiting and community relations coordinator for Biola’s School of Education. “And action because ‘Christ’s love compels us’ to do something with the hope within us (2 Corinthians 5:14)."

Sponsored by Biola University’s School of Education, the conference aims to provide a professional forum for students, faculty, and business people to discuss justice works in our everyday lives. Past topics include closing the achievement gap in schools, diversity, and justice in education. The School of Education is also home to the JSE Journal, a peer-reviewed academic publication that serves to further discussion on the issues of justice, spirituality, and education in our society.

To attend the 2013 JSE Conference, register online at http://education.biola.edu/jseconf/register/participant/. Tickets are $10 for undergraduate students, $35 for graduate students, and $129 for the general public. To view the entire conference schedule, visit http://education.biola.edu/jseconf/about/schedule/.

Written by Carissa Lehmkuhl, Media Relations Intern. For more information, contact Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Specialist, at 562.777.4061 or at jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.