Learning rooted in social justice

Suffolk’s Sociology and Criminal Justice Department is committed to rigorous, cutting-edge scholarship and teaching that are designed to promote social justice. Come join us in solving real-world problems through embracing diversity and creativity. 

“I’m passionate about collaborating with students and with communities to increase knowledge, improve well-being, and bringing research to support and promote those positive outcomes.”

– Professor Erika Gebo 

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Professor Gebo walking with Suffolk Master of Science in Crime & Justice Studies (MSCJS) students who worked together on a research collaboration between Suffolk University, Boston Police Department, and YouthConnect to examine mental health alternatives across the US and Canada. 

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Alumunus Jeffrey Lopes, BS ’12, MPA ’14 being honored at Suffolk’s 2023 Celebration of Black Excellence. Lopes majored in Sociology with a concentration in Crime and Justice. He is now a detective with the Boston Police Department. 

“Suffolk gave me the grounding, the space, the opportunity, the wraparound services, the needed trauma supports and the love that I needed to become the public servant that I am today.”

– Alumnus Jeffrey Lopes

“When my family emigrated from Cabo Verde to Boston in 1991, I was only 11 years old. Moving from a relatively safe community to a major urban center with issues of crime sparked my interest at a young age in understanding why certain communities are disproportionately affected by crime, and how criminal justice systems can effectively respond.”

– Assistant Professor Carlos Monteiro

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Assistant Professor Carlos Monteiro presenting research on risk factors for predicting mental health crises among corrections officers at the 2019 National Symposium on Corrections Worker Health hosted by Suffolk University.

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Gabriella Priest Celestine, Senior Associate at Justice Systems Partners and proud Suffolk alum. 

“My education and experience at Suffolk helped me channel my passion for criminal legal system reform into changes around the country to reduce the number of people incarcerated.”

– Alumna Gabriella Priest Celestine