Heidi Lasley Barajas, OLPD Chair and Associate Professor, has been named the 2018 recipient of the Josie R. Johnson Human Rights and Social Justice Award by the University of Minnesota’s Office of Equity and Diversity, for dedicating her research, teaching, and public service to access, equity, and leadership in education.

The Josie R. Johnson Award was established to recognize Dr. Josie R. Johnson’s lifelong contributions to human rights and social justice both within and beyond her tenure at the University of Minnesota. The purpose of this award is to honor University of Minnesota faculty, staff, and students who exemplify Dr. Johnson’s commitment to creating respectful and inclusive living, learning, and working environments.

Nominators cited her strong commitment to equity and diversity, referring to her as someone who goes above and beyond to support and mentor American Indian students and students of color. Those quoted at the award ceremony referred to Dr. Barajas as “the rare colleague who has been dedicated to human rights, equity, and civil rights through her transformative scholarship, institution building, public engagement, mentoring, leadership, and vision;” another described her as “one of my most influential mentors,” adding that “in her work with communities, whether in North Minneapolis or the students of color at CEHD, Heidi has demonstrated the ability to identify strengths in others and used that knowledge to empower them to fight against injustices. Over and over, she has pushed the boundaries of the status quo in higher education to ensure that access to quality education and support is not only for the few but for the many.”

Dr. Barajas served as Associate Dean in the College of Education and Human Development from 2010-13 and as Executive Director of the University’s Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (2011-17).