"We can't save the planet without uplifting the voices of its people, especially those most often unheard. We should care about the protection of people as much as we care about the protection of the planet - to me, these fights are the same."
Leah Thomas - The Intersectional Environmentalist
What's the mission of the WEJ clinic?
The Williams Environmental Justice Clinic represents a collective of students, staff, and faculty of Williams College that are intent on leveraging their skills and resources to support communities enduring environmental injustice.
The US EPA defines environmental justice as "the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies." We recognize injustice wherever communities are asked to bear undue burdens of environmental contamination and harm without recourse to reparations or protection.
Our technical expertise can help identify causes of pollution and disturbance, which can support litigation efforts and the collective agency of communities. Further, our community-centered approach involves a sincere collaboration with residents and community leaders, which demands our accountability and commitment. If you are a member of a community dealing with environmental contamination or disturbance, please reach out to learn how the Environmental Justice Clinic can be of support.
Environmental justice news and funding opportunities
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