Events
Fall 2026
HRI UNITES: A Day of Remembrance and Service for 9/11 Day
Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 2:00pm to 3:30pm EST at the 9/11 Memorial near Townsend Hall
Join us at the 9/11 Memorial near Townsend for a remembrance event honoring the lives lost on 9/11 and the first responders who served. The event will feature two student volunteers sharing brief readings in tribute.
A smaller tabling activity will be held nearby, giving students a space to both reflect and take part in a hands-on act of service.
For more information, please contact: humanrights@kean.edu
HRI UNITES: Pop-Ups, Build a Care Package for 9/11 Day
Stop by our pop-up tables around campus, each with a different care package theme. Design a bag with a positive message, fill it with items provided, and we'll handle the donation. It only takes a few minutes and makes a real difference.
RSVP September 10
RSVP September 14
RSVP September 15
RSVP September 17
For more information, please contact: humanrights@kean.edu
Bloom with Kindness
Monday, September 14, 2026 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm at Kean Clock Tower
As part of Cougars for Hope, Kean University's week-long initiative for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, Bloom with Kindness invites students to come together in a spirit of connection and support. This event features an interactive chalk-messaging experience at the Clock Tower, where students can write affirmations, words of encouragement, and messages of hope for others to find. Stop by to spread some positivity, collect a self-care kit, and be reminded that support is always here on campus.
For more information, please contact: humanrights@kean.edu
World Without Genocide: Virtual Presentation Series
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 from 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 4:30pm to 7:15pm
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, join the Holocaust Resource Center, Human Rights Institute, and Council on Global Education and Citizenship for a virtual three-part presentation series: World Without Genocide. Explore memory, justice, and human rights across Latin America with Dr. Ellen J. Kennedy. The presentation series will be held via Zoom.
For more information, please contact: humanrights@kean.edu
HRI UNITES: Care Package Drive for 9/11 Day
Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the MSC Greek Lounge
The Human Rights Institute and partner organizations will each host a table with a hands-on activity. Stop by the HRI's table to design a care package bag with a positive message, and we'll take care of the donation. It's a simple way to give back and honor those affected by 9/11.
For more information, please contact: humanrights@kean.edu
Human Rights High School Virtual Program
Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 9:00am to 10:30am EST via Zoom.
As a survivor of conversion practices, Dr. Lucas Wilson will present on his own experiences and how this has compelled his research on how the prevalence of conversion practices in North America violate human rights.
For more information, please contact: humanrights@kean.edu
SHOUT! Poetry for Suffrage
Monday, September 22, from 3:45pm to 5:00pm EST in the Human Rights Institute Gallery
Please join the Human Rights Institute, the Voting Squad, and Kean Common Read for SHOUT! Poetry for Suffrage. Kean Professor Emerita Susanna Rich's presentation explores the historical struggle for suffrage through narrative poetry and first-person accounts. As part of the Human Rights Institute's America250 programming, this event offers a timely opportunity to reflect on the ongoing evolution of American democracy throughout the nation's history.
For more information, please contact: humanrights@kean.edu
Common Read 2026-2027
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from 2:15pm - 3:30pm at Wilkins Theater
Join Kean Common Read and the Human Rights Institute for the 2026-2027 Common Read. This year's Common Read features Sanaz Toossi's work, English.
Click here for more information
For more information, please contact: humanrights@kean.edu
Madan Sara: Film Screening
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 3:30pm EST at the Human Rights Institute Gallery
The film centers on the informal status of women in Haitian society, their importance to that same society, and how it functions. Madan Saras delivers goods throughout the country and most times sells their goods in the public marketplaces to support their families. However, it is dangerous work because they are subject to being robbed, disruption on the street which holds up commerce, and other dangers. Most times they are not protected by the authorities. This event is co-hosted with Street Team Productions and the President's Sustainability Task Force.
Following the film, join us for a conversation with the filmmaker Etant Dupain and Street Team Productions.
For more information, please contact: humanrights@kean.edu