Meet MJ Eckhouse, a senior Political Science major. A fierce advocate for social justice issues on multiple fronts, MJ was recently recognized as Student Leader of the Month by the Center for Student Involvement. As part of that recognition, MJ will have a conversation with the Dean of Students, in which MJ plans to discuss the unique barriers facing trans students whose university records lack correct gender markers. The University policy requires a matching government-issued ID, which in turn, requires a doctor's signature and payment of fees, for gender markers on transcripts. MJ would like to see these barriers removed so that student transcripts can be corrected.
While MJ’s advocacy and leadership is clear on campus, it extends to communities beyond as well. He is currently a fellow with Equality Ohio, a non-profit working for equity for all Ohioans, including the LGBTQ community. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Fusion Magazine, which you can check out here!
MJ’s advocacy work demonstrates the range of skills change agents bring to the table. Fundraising, issue campaign work, and phonebanking are among the efforts to which he has contributed. He has also given voice to issues and communities, guest authoring for Prizm Magazine, Trans.Cafe, the Equality Ohio Blog, Chicago Now, The Toast, FTM Magazine, and Guerrilla Feminism.
MJ’s leadership and dedication has been recognized not only by CSI but by multiple off-campus organizations. He was invited in 2017 alone to speak at the National College Media Association Convention, the Cleveland “Save the ACA” Rally, for the local Planned Parenthood organization, and to the Kent League of Women Voters. MJ most recently was an invited speaker along with Gwen Stembridge, the Northeast Ohio Coordinator for Equality Ohio, at the LGBTQ Task Force Creating Change Conference in DC.
Congratulations to MJ for the CSI recognition, and for his contributions to our campus and broader community!