Northeastern Illinois University announces “Staying the Course for Human Rights: From Awareness to Action”

Northeastern Illinois University’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) has launched a themed semester titled, “Staying the Course for Human Rights: From Awareness to Action,” for Spring 2026.

Throughout the term, more than 50 courses will be offered to students with an emphasis on human rights across programs and disciplines. Additionally, the University will offer programs around the theme that are free or low-cost and open to the general public.

“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,” CAS Dean Tim Libretti, Ph.D., said. “Every field has a responsibility to take the human cost of anything into consideration — from visual art to biology to everything in between.”

The themed semester will center the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights to align curricula and programming.

Events include: 

• The 12th Annual Genocide and Human Rights in Africa and the Diaspora Conference, through March 4
• “Echoes of Silence: Portraits of Pain. Reflections of Resilience,” a photo exhibition featuring survivors of the 1972 genocide in Burundi, East Africa; through March 23
• Film screening: “The Here and Now Project,” March 5
• Servant Leadership for Human Rights in Our Communities and Workplaces, March 10
• “Full-On Cleopatra,” performances run April 15-25; collaboration with Silk Road Cultural Center
• Butterflies and Bumblebees: Music from the Children in Terezín, April 16
• Lawrence Frank Lecture: “Race and Housing on Chicago’s South Side” featuring Mary Pattillo, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology and Black Studies at Northwestern University, April 21
  Human Rights Choral (sing-along), April 21

Additional programs include an art exhibition, a workshop on mental health and a display from The Clothesline Project.

“Many people have never read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” Dr. Libretti said. “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."