Janelle Cronk shakes hands with Rep. John Lewis at the Civil Rights Memorial Center in Montgomery, Alabama, Saturday, March 3, 2018.
Janelle Cronk recently joined the Southern Poverty Law Center to work as the new Program Coordinator for SPLC on Campus.
Why do you want to work with SPLC on Campus?
I’m a passionate believer in the potential students have to promote positive change. I am continuously inspired by the motivation, integrity, and creativity of college students across the nation. I’m excited for the opportunity to work alongside and offer support to the students involved with SPLC on Campus as we continue fighting hate, teaching tolerance, and seeking justice.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I’m originally from Southern California. I graduated from the University of Redlands with a double major in Women’s and Gender Studies and Global Business. My campus involvement as an undergraduate instilled me with a passion for justice. I believe the student experience offers an unrivaled opportunity to broaden mindsets, encourage critical thought, and promote activism. As an undergraduate, I worked in the Pride Center where I helped organize my city’s 1st Annual LGBTQ Pride. I also organized around women’s rights and environmental justice initiatives, helping to promote collaboration across movements.
What were you doing before you took the job at Southern Poverty Law Center?
I was a Rotary International Scholar at the London School of Economics. I graduated with Distinction with my MSc in Human Rights. While at LSE, I conducted research on how the human rights framework can best be utilized to address different challenges facing LGBTQ communities. My time at the LSE allowed me to critically engage with various justice projects, teaching me that there is no one right way to fight for justice, but many.
What should students do if they want to start an SPLC on Campus club?
If students are interested in learning more, or starting an SPLC on Campus club at their campus they can email me at Janelle.Cronk@splcenter.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.