Week dedicated to human rights of freedom

by Allison Gossett / contributing writer

Awareness and activism are the ideals behind JMU’s Amnesty International and International Justice Mission and Progress’ Human Rights Week.

Junior Amnesty International President Kim McCray said the week will include an extensive schedule of presentations, Wellness Passport events and discussions meant to raise awareness and expand the knowledge students have on human rights issues in today’s society. Human Rights Week is the highlight of the year for many social-interest groups on campus because it allows them to work together to stress the importance of the issues they believe in.

"The devotion of an entire week to human rights issues gives the message that we are committed to giving attention to these important issues on a large scale," McCray said.

"This weeklong series of events is a great opportunity for several social-interest clubs at JMU to work together as one unit fighting for justice and human rights."

Activities include film showings in Transitions and Grafton-Stovall Theatre, a presentation about genocide in Sudan and a discussion about human rights and the Roman Catholic Church.

"We also are really excited about having Shujaa Graham, an exonerated death row inmate, come and speak as part of a panel discussing the death penalty, a major campaign of focus for Amnesty International," McCray said.

Sophomore Sarah Friedfeld, secretary-elect of Voices for Planned Parenthood, is eager to attend the events as part of Human Rights Week.

"I’m really excited about Human Rights Week this year. I am particularly looking forward to the conference on genocide because of the Darfur crisis that is currently going on," Friedfeld said.