Lessons from the Resistance: Celebrating Minnesota’s Human Rights Defenders

Looking back

For 25 years, the Human Rights Program has served as an interdisciplinary hub of research, teaching, and outreach in human rights. Through educating the next generation of human rights scholars and professionals, advancing human rights scholarship and research, and engaging with serious human rights issues through partnerships, programs, and events, HRP has been an important voice on human rights issues on campus and beyond.

Kick-off celebration

This year, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Human Rights Program and look back on the progress and challenges for human rights in Minnesota and the world. We also celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Master of Human Rights program, an innovative partnership through the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and the College of Liberal Arts. Join us for a kick-off celebration and the Stephen and Chacke Scallen Lecture in Human Rights on October 9.

The human rights violations of Operation Metro Surge deeply impacted Minnesota communities and our campus. During this challenging time, ordinary Minnesotans engaged in extraordinary action to resist state violence and protect their neighbors. Local human rights defenders activated networks of resistance and built new ones.

At this event, we will recognize local human rights defenders, including our HRP founders, alumni, and students, and increase our understanding of the broader culture of resistance in which they are embedded. Join us for the Stephen and Chacke Scallen Lecture in Human Rights and a panel discussion with local human rights defenders. A reception beforehand will highlight local changemakers and HRP students and programs. Join us after for a community celebration.

Earlier in the afternoon, students and alumni are invited to join us for a Brewing Justice Alumni-Student Mixer. Meet alumni, explore human rights careers, consider how human rights are on the ballot this election, and strengthen our human rights community. Learn more about the mixer event.

We cannot take human rights for granted. They are just as important today as they were 25 years ago when the Human Rights Program was founded. Join us as we celebrate a quarter century of human rights work on campus and beyond, Minnesota's legacy of resistance, and the human rights defenders who protect it.

Recognizing HRP's Founders

We are honored to be joined by two of HRP’s founders, Barbara Frey and Kathryn Sikkink, and will also honor David Weissbrodt at the event. Join us in recognizing our founders and others who played an essential role in the history of HRP.