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Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice

A Catalyst for Social Justice

The mission of the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice is to build knowledge about social justice, to develop skills for advancing social justice through individual and collective action, and to serve as a catalyst for actualizing Bridgewater State University’s commitment to social justice.

At BSU, we believe that social justice requires individual and collective action to ensure fairness in pursuit of opportunities, freedom from oppression and the equitable distribution of resources. Fairness, freedom from oppression and equitable distribution of resources are all grounded in the same basic principle: that all human beings have equal dignity and worth.

The Institute for Social Justice was established in 2011 and renamed in honor of Martin Richard in 2015. Eight year old Martin was one of three people killed, while hundreds of others were injured, by bombs at the Boston Marathon in 2013. Martin’s parents, Bill and Denise Richard, are BSU alumni.

Featured Opportunities

Students in hairnets surrounding a series of tables with non-perishable foods as they smile for the camera while packing meals. Text in bottom right corner reads "Bears Fighting Hunger" with a bear paw.

BSU students and alumni are invited to kick off the year with service at our annual Bears Fighting Hunger service project! Honoring 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance, volunteers will serve with End Hunger New England to pack 25,000 meals for people experiencing food insecurity in southeastern MA. 

This off-campus event will take place on Sunday, September 10th from 9-1pm. Registration is now open for students & alumni, space is limited so sign up today!

Student registration

Alumni interest form

Text reads "Repairing Historical Harm: A Conversation on Reparations. Featuring Kyle Bennett & Dwayne Keys" on a red background with two circular images, one of Dwayne Keys smiling at the camera in a blue shirt and tie with glasses, and the other of Kyle Bennett with a black suite, white shirt, and red tie smiling at the camera.

Our latest Civic Speaker Series event discussed reparations and how they can be a tool to help communities move forward on a path toward justice.

Kyle Bennett & Dwayne Keys shared their experiences serving on the Providence Municipal Reparations Commission. They will present how the Commission approached its work, engaged the community, and how its recommendations close the racial wealth and equity gap.

The MRISJ thanks Santander Bank for its generous support of the Civic Speaker Series.

Our Programs

Community Service
The Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice encourages members of the Bridgewater State University community to become life-long engaged citizens in our local, regional, national and global communities through serving their community.
five female Justice Fellows standing together in front of peace flag display

MRISJ Justice Fellows are undergraduate students, hired as BSU student employees, and work 10 hours per week throughout the academic year. Fellows are paired with a nonprofit organization or campus-based initiative. 

Virtual Tour Stop — Martin Richard Statue

Launch Martin Richard’s Legacy
Classroom

Student & Faculty Resources

Martin Richard statue

General Community Resources

We have compiled a variety of useful resources available to anyone looking for help.

See all additional resources »

Featured News

Featured News

More Social Justice News »
Social Justice
A headshot of Mitzy in front of a white background
Meet Newest Newman Fellow

Mitzy Duarte Chavarin, ’24, seeks to help immigrant families like her own

Martin Richard Institute of Social Justice
Tyeisha Gilchrist stands in front of lockers with award saying she is first Martin Richard Foundation scholar
In Martin's Honor
Student humbled to receive Martin Richard scholarship

Contact Us

Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice

161 Summer Street
Bridgewater, MA 02325
United States