Human Rights Institute
Mission and Vision
The Human Rights Institute (HRI) at Kean University was established to enhance public awareness of contemporary and historical human rights topics while inspiring the next generation. Through community building, educational programming, and an unrivaled physical location, the HRI focuses on creating a more just and peaceful world—one aligned with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The HRI seeks to become a center of excellence by promoting human dignity and working towards a harmonious future. The HRI houses distinct curricula and collections; special events including lectures, book discussions, and film screenings; exhibits in the Human Rights Gallery; and world-renowned annual Human Rights Conference designed to empower and educate.
The Human Rights Institute partners with the Holocaust Resource Center (HRC) of Kean University. To view the work of the HRC, click here.
18th Annual Human Rights Conference
Kean University to Host 18th Annual Human Rights Conference Focused on 'Sustainability in Action’
Ireland’s first female president and global climate justice leader, Mary Robinson, will headline the 18th Annual Human Rights Conference on Friday, March 27. She will be joined by humanitarian and actress Monique Coleman and climate justice advocate Sabs Katz to explore the intersection of human rights and sustainability.
March for Our Lives: Road to Change
Kean University students Spencer Martin ’19 and Gunneet Malhi ‘21, and recent alumni Sarah Coykendall ’18 and Sarah Mack ‘18 attended the March for Our Lives: Road to Change in Morristown, N.J. The event, part of a 75-city tour, was designed to educate young people a
