Events
Fall 2026
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.
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For more information, please contact: humanrights@kean.edu
Empty Plate at the Table
Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 4:30pm EST at the Human Rights Institute Room 201
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, join us for an important panel discussion on Domestic Violence and Community Care featuring YWCA Union County, Refugee Assistance Partners NJ, and The Campbell House. This event is co-presented by the Community Wellness and Counseling Center, Kean Wellness Center, Cougar Connections, and Office of Belonging and Community Engagement.
Empty Plate at the Table will be on display from October 12-16, 2026
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
Celebrating Culture
Tuesday, November 17 2026 at 2:00pm EST to 4:00pm EST at the MSC Greek Lounge
Join the HRI in creating cornhusk dolls, led by the LenapeHoking Reestablishment Project. Learn the meaning and significance of Indigenous items and the stories behind them. Students will actively engage with Indigenous history and culture through a hands-on experience, while encouraging meaningful connections between community, identity, and human rights.
As we mark America250, we cannot reflect on the story of this country without remembering and honoring the people who have called this land home since long before its founding, and who remain here today. This event connects that history to human rights, and to the ongoing work of recognizing and preserving Indigenous culture and identity.
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