Symposium on Conscious Law Enforcement & Inclusive Practices
The SFJ Symposium aims to unite law enforcement, academic professionals, trauma specialists, and social justice advocates for impactful discussions.
Evaluating the Criminalization of Immigrants in America
Thursday, April 2, 2026
18 days to the eventThu, Apr 02Online SymposiumThe SFJ Symposium is designed to bring law enforcement, academia, trauma experts, and social justice advocates together to partake in meaningful conversations.
Guest Speakers
 Born in the Dominican Republic, Sgt. Aquilino Gonell arrived in New York City in 1992 as a young boy who spoke no English and carried only two small bags. Determined to give back, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1999 and deployed to Iraq for 545 days during Operation Iraqi Freedom II, rising to Staff Sergeant. After earning his degree, he joined the U.S. Capitol Police in 2006. On January 6, 2021, he defended the Capitol, sustaining injuries that ended his 17‑year career. |  Hector Barajas-Varela is an honorably discharged veteran of the US Army. Following a 3 and-a-half year sentence in California state prison, he was deported to Mexico. He lived in homeless encampments in Tijuana until he discovered that there were other veterans who had been abandoned by the U.S. government, and thus began the Deported Veterans’ Support House. Hector's personal story is featured in EXILED. He continues his advocacy for deported U.S. veterans worldwide. |  Director/Cinematographer Mike Seely has produced, directed and photographed dozens of cross-cultural and international documentary projects, including, Exiled a story of two military veterans, both green card immigrants willing to die for their country, find themselves deported and are now fighting to be heard. His work has been broadcast in the US and screened at festivals worldwide. |
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2026 Symposium Sponsors
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Previous Symposiums
Change Isn’t Easy, But It’s Necessary
2021
Our theme for 2021 is Change Isn't Easy, But It’s Necessary. Our team decided on this topic due to the climate and the call for change across the country. In staying true to the mission of Strategies for Justice, we are looking to provide space for building strategies for justice by utilizing the power of stories as a foundation for reform. Recognizing this is not an easy task, but necessary as the first step to having meaningful conversations and push for reform.
Breaking the stigma: Mental Health and Policing
2022
Our theme for 2022 is Breaking the stigma: Mental Health and Policing. Our team decided on this topic due to the climate and the increased calls to address mental health in law enforcement as well as the need to address police interaction with the mental health community. In staying true to the mission of Strategies for Justice, we are looking to provide space for building strategies for justice by utilizing the power of stories as a foundation for reform and transformation.
