This November, Barry University will join Catholic colleges and universities from across the country at the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice (IFTJ) in Washington, D.C., the largest Catholic social justice conference in the United States.

IFTJ is hosted by the Ignatian Solidarity Network and brings together students, educators, and faith leaders to explore social justice through the lens of Catholic faith and put those values into action. While rooted in the Jesuit tradition, the gathering has grown to include Catholic institutions sponsored by religious congregations and dioceses across the country.

For Barry, participation reflects the university’s own longstanding commitment to service, justice, and community, rooted in the charism of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, who founded Barry in 1940.

As a Hispanic-Serving Institution with a diverse student population, Barry creates space for students to engage with issues that affect their communities and connect their experiences with Catholic social teaching. Earlier this year, nearly 20 Barry students joined approximately 200 people at a migrant justice public witness organized with the Ignatian Solidarity Network in Miami.

The experience gave students an opportunity to stand in solidarity with immigrant communities while engaging in thoughtful conversations with people whose experiences and perspectives differed from their own.

“Barry lives that out every day,” said Rob Roa, Director of Ministry and Community Outreach at Barry University. “Our students come to us already seeking ways to be connected to their community, ways to serve and walk alongside their communities.”

At IFTJ, Barry students will have the opportunity to build on that commitment alongside peers from Catholic institutions nationwide. They will learn, reflect, and explore how faith can inspire meaningful action in their communities and beyond.