In today’s Economic Democracy Weekly, we examine the question of culture—and explore where cultural barriers can impede racial and economic justice. We begin with an account of one university campus that has sought to embody the ideal of a community-aligned institution; yet, notes author Rita Hodges, to succeed, such efforts require a major shift in university culture. Next, Priya Jayachandran of the National Housing Trust asks housing groups to consider whether a common aversion to merger is holding back the ability of the sector to meet people’s housing needs. Following that, Tom Tresser looks at why nonprofits, despite their obvious latent economic and political importance, have often failed to use advocacy to leverage their power on behalf of social justice goals. Lastly, we offer an update on proposed cuts to federal student loan programs—and how advocates are responding.