Northeastern Illinois University’s College of Arts and Sciences has started a themed semester called “Staying the Course for Human Rights: From Awareness to Action” for Spring 2026. The initiative will offer more than 50 courses focused on human rights across various programs and disciplines. In addition to these courses, the university is providing events and activities related to the theme that are free or low-cost and open to the public.
CAS Dean Tim Libretti, Ph.D., explained the university’s approach: “As a public comprehensive university, Northeastern Illinois University has an obligation to bring to light pressing societal issues and ensure our students are educated, not just in their chosen field of study, but in the larger role they play in the world. Every field has a responsibility to take the human cost of anything into consideration — from visual art to biology to everything in between.”
The semester’s curriculum and programming will be organized around the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Events scheduled as part of this initiative include the 12th Annual Genocide and Human Rights in Africa and the Diaspora Conference, which runs through March 4; “Echoes of Silence: Portraits of Pain. Reflections of Resilience,” a photo exhibition about survivors of Burundi’s 1972 genocide running through March 23; a film screening titled “The Here and Now Project” on March 5; Servant Leadership for Human Rights in Our Communities and Workplaces on March 10; performances of “Full-On Cleopatra” from April 15-25 in collaboration with Silk Road Cultural Center; Butterflies and Bumblebees: Music from the Children in Terezín on April 16; Lawrence Frank Lecture: “Race and Housing on Chicago’s South Side” featuring Mary Pattillo, Ph.D., Professor at Northwestern University, on April 21; and a Human Rights Choral sing-along also on April 21.
Other planned activities include an art exhibition, a mental health workshop, and a display by The Clothesline Project.
Dr. Libretti commented further: “Many people have never read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Yet these 30 basic rights were laid out and internationally agreed upon in 1948. These rights are critical for everyone to be aware of and know — no matter who you are or where you come from — you have the right to freedom, equality and dignity.”
