Justice Week Focuses on Human Trafficking

February 8, 2017

CDH hosted Justice Week, 2017 with a full slate of speakers and activities to inform, educate and challenge the community to better understand the tragic issue of Human Trafficking.  Human trafficking is a public safety, public health and human rights issue. While this is a global issue, CDH Justice Week focused on the local reality of human trafficking in Minnesota.  Minnesota is widely considered a leader in addressing this issue in both urban and rural communities.

Drawing on the founders of CDH, the Sisters of Saint Joseph and the Christian Brothers firmly believe education has the power to change social issues and address injustice.  Justice Week brings focus on critical issues, enabling students and faculty to hear stories, learn facts and to gain understanding about complex issues.

The week began with an Opening Assembly, featuring keynote speaker, Joy Friedman, a motivational speaker and a trainer on the topic of human trafficking, whose personal experience enabled her to share what makes teens vulnerable to trafficking and what actions can be taken for self and/or others. 

Students were also able to attend sessions with other notable speakers throughout the week to expand their understanding of the issue.

Speakers at Justice Week 2017 included:

Terry Forliti - Executive Director of Breaking Free, Inc.

Flora Whitfield - Women's Program Advocate, Client, Breaking Free, Inc.

Cindy Sellers Roach  - Community Engagement Manager, Heifer International

Haley King - Trainer with Ramsey County Attorney and counselor for exploited girls

Representative David Pinto (D), MN District 64B - Assistant Ramsey County Attorney, Sex Crimes Division.  

Susan Hartnett - St. Paul Police, Juvenile Sex Crimes Unit

Chuck Deery - Co-Founder, Gender Violence Institute

On February 1, CDH also hosted the Justice Summit, which included over 50 students from other high schools, including Academy of the Holy Angels, Benilde-Saint Margaret, Cristo Rey, DeLaSalle, Hill-Murray and Holy Family.  Students were able to attend speakers and enjoy Empty Bowls,  as well as meet in school work groups to discuss action plans and initiatives for their respective schools. 

In addition, the broader CDH community participated in Empty Bowls during both lunch and dinner to raise awareness and funds for Heifer International, which is also concerned with the global issue of human trafficking.  

Other Justice Week activities at CDH included an opportunity for students to pledge to 'Build Healthy Relationships' and an out-of-uniform Button Sale to benefit Breaking Free, Inc.  Students were also invited to participate in a Human Trafficking Poetry Slam.  On Saturday, students and faculty participated in the annual Toss for Justice, a bags tournament to benefit Breaking Free, Inc. Throughout the week, additional video opportunities and resources were made available for classes and for CASA.