ABSTRACT
Nancy López offers strategies for scholars to leverage opportunities within their universities to advance social justice—in her case, through the creation of an interdisciplinary institute for scholarship on race and social justice. Her determination to expand the institute’s efforts through lecture series, symposia, and expanded race and social justice curricula, is a reflection of her bravery: “My passion and ethical commitment to resist oppression all the time is not a choice—it is a matter of survival.” She notes that in today’s neoliberal university, such transformational work is possible only by engaging in what she calls “ongoing strategic resistance.” Indeed, she and her team met resistance from the university with every new initiative; but, rather than giving up, she found creative alternatives to achieve her goals. Nancy concludes by offering concrete strategies for scholars for “working the crack” or using insider knowledge to advance social justice causes.
