2020 will be long remembered for the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic which brought nations to an economic and social halt, created health care nightmares and caused an existential debate on what is normal now, and what will it become. That the repercussions are still strong in 2022 is an understatement.

While the virus did not discriminate by race, gender, class, ethnicity or belief systems, it did highlight social justice inequities in densely populated urban centers nationally and abroad. People of color, vulnerable populations and overwhelmed cities were disproportionately impacted by the invisible threat and the federal response, which both overshadowed and illuminated pre-existing social justice challenges based on race, zip code, and access to diminishing primary resources.

Select two of the areas from the seven we discussed this semester (race, immigration, gender, human sexuality, SES, health care, and violence/trauma). Using the readings, your lived experiences, and relevant news sources, please:

1. Describe the impact of the virus in your community on the areas you selected.

2. What policies or experiences provided help and what policies, or experiences made the challenge more complex?

3. Make one recommendation that you believe can be a positive solution and /or alleviate suffering.