We live in times that press upon us human rights concerns of many dimensions — internationally, nationally and locally. We are asked to make judgments, evaluate political and cultural contexts, weigh means against outcomes. The UICHR believes that the university community provides a setting in which thoughtful and constructive dialogue on pressing human rights issues is possible and that the results of such reflection and discussion can be a better informed community and individuals better prepared to articulate and act on their own beliefs. We believe that the UICHR itself can benefit and learn from widening the circle of human rights dialogue as well.
To assist this dialogue, the UICHR convenes the Human Rights Reading Group, a series of discussions on human rights issues and ideas of relevance to the University of Iowa community. All university students, staff and faculty are encouraged to participate. The only “prerequisite” is a willingness to engage the topics and readings for the sessions conscientiously and to enter into open and frank discussion that is tolerant of the views of others .
