Human Rights Through Education

MISSION STATEMENT

For the promotion of comprehensive human rights instruction at the University of Michigan and at all levels of edification, to educate the advocates of the future and to support the advocates of the present through building curriculum, networking and empowering student social advocacy initiatives, expanding resources, and providing a purposefully broad interpretation of human rights studies its integral position in liberal arts education.

In a world where the influence of public institutions is waning, the social role of the university must be elevated. Human Rights Through Education takes its name from this opportunity: that the resources and social capital of the academy should be utilized to promote a responsible and informed culture of respect for human rights. Though not the entire solution, there is no better place to begin than through effective and accessible education.

Human Rights Through Education works to increase opportunities for depoliticized discussion and constructive criticism of human rights in moderated forums; stimulate and help develop curriculum; open research resources for students and faculty; neutralize the political affiliation of human rights; connect the student body to the diversity of perspectives in the international human rights movement; and expand the American human rights tradition to include economic, social, and cultural rights.

Started in late 2004 by five UM undergraduates, Human Rights Through Education has grown into a focused, effective organization able to produce serious change at this university. We benefit greatly from relationships with campus institutions such as the Center for International and Comparative Studies, the Institute for Humanities, the President’s initiative for Ethics in Public Life, the Ginsberg Center for Service Learning, and others.

Our organization is based upon deeply-held values of inclusiveness, accountability, and mentorship. We maintain a flat organizational structure where new members are encouraged to participate fully in leadership and planning.

HRTE was honored to receive the “Outstanding Group of the Year 2006” award by the Office of Student Activities and Leadership.

HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH EDUCATION