By Rico Palmerin 

Features Editor 

Students can learn about social justice and feminism through multiple outlets on campus.

Feminists Unite (FU) is an organization dedicated to educating students about the truth behind the loaded term “feminist,” and the need for students to be conscious of social injustices carried out everyday.

Without a doubt the term “feminist” raises all sorts of interpretations, and the majority tend to be negative. Feminists Unite holds regular club meetings and participates in events on campus to help erase any prejudices or misconceptions students might have.

“A lot of times people already have a lot of feminist ideas, they just don’t necessarily want to call it feminism because of the negative label that comes with that,” FU Vice President and Treasurer, Sophii Sandoval, said.

Sandoval points out that a lot of women feel a general sense of competition amongst each other. This type of competition can be unhealthy, unproductive and foster barriers between women which don’t necessarily need to exist. According to Sandoval, Feminists Unite wants to promote “healthy relationships among women.”

“We can all stand together and support each other without there having to be this barrier of competition,” Sandoval said.

Feminists Unite events feature tables providing information and activities, such as customized bracelets inscribed with empowering words about each person’s body. One of FU’s more recent events included making and presenting a life-size Barbie doll meant to educate women about body image.

For men, participation is more than welcome, but naturally there are certain expectations of men who join. Feminists Unite already currently has two male members.

“Men identifying as feminist can be very productive if they remain aware of the fact that they do have male privilege and that it’s important to let women speak for themselves,” Sandoval said.

Anyone interested in learning more about feminism or joining Feminists Unite should follow the link http://www.csusm.edu/orgs/feminists%20unite.html or check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/feminists.unite.