University groups continue the tradition of fighting for human rights through advocacy, education and dialogue.
As the United Nations calls on the world to remember Human Rights Day, the tradition of defending those rights continues at Ohio University.
Thursday focuses on the global, inalienable rights protected by the International Bill of Human Rights and the work that ensures them.
The utilization and promotion of freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom from want are present in organizations across campus.
As an activist group that seeks to eradicate rape culture, F--kRapeCulture uses the right to free speech in rallies and marches.
Through that activism, Claire Seid, a member of the group, said she has seen improvements.
“The OU community now knows about and can recognize rape culture to a greater extent than previously, and the rhetoric used to talk about sexual assault on campus has shifted dramatically,” Seid, a junior studying sociology, said in an email.
Though protecting freedom of speech is not the biggest initiative for the group, “without freedom of speech, it's hard to have a free and open exchange of ideas,” Seid said in an email.
However, Seid said she believes individuals must avoid using that privilege for hate.
“Our words don't exist in a vacuum, and the things we say and the way we say them fundamentally shape our culture and our relationships,” she said.
“Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always.” is a year-long campaign by the UN that will launch Thursday in an effort to raise awareness of those rights.
Interfaith Impact, a student organization run in conjunction with United Campus Ministry, offers Athens a venue for interfaith dialogue.
“The idea is you’re building bridges not walls,” Kelli Wanamaker, president of the organization, said.
The group’s meetings involve a theme each week. Discussions provide insight into diverse faiths and foster an environment built on understanding, tolerance, and acceptance, according to Wanamaker, a senior studying theater performance.
She said she encourages the use of personal experience and avoids preaching.
Wanamaker said she believes it is important to protect the right to worship. As a part of the First Amendment, “(freedom of religion) is one of the bases of the country,” she said.
She suggests it is individualism that prompts activism and advocacy on campus.
“College is a really great place. You’re not in the bubble of your family and the community you grew up in,” she said. “Now you are an individual.”
Allison Barnard, president of Ohio University’s Habitat for Humanity, leads the campus chapter in its works with Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio.
“College students in general are always wanting to give back to their community,” Barnard, a junior studying pre-law political science and history, said.
The group focuses on nearby communities, taking part in builds and providing volunteers for Athens ReStore. The store, located on West Union Street, sells furniture and building materials, while creating revenue to build homes.
Habitat for Humanity assists with job placement, providing individuals with the ability to purchase homes interest-free.
“It becomes their home,” Barnard said. “It’s not like they owe us anything.”
Human Rights Day highlights the freedom from want, which includes an adequate standard of living and the right to property. The organization supports those rights in a local and international context with builds from Athens to Africa.
“What we do as an organization is important because we want to make housing more available for those who cannot afford it,” Barnard said. “Everyone deserves the right to have shelter.”
Project Escape, an organization new to campus this year, aims to help children escape poverty and slavery.
“Poverty is a real, worldly issue,” Brian Brubaker, a junior studying communication studies, said.
As treasurer and co-founder of the group, Brubaker works to educate the community.
“Many students in the community don’t understand what poverty is,” Brubaker said.
The group works locally and internationally through fundraising. The current fundraiser involves a gift catalogue through World Vision, a faith based organization working to end poverty through child sponsorship.
In the absence of appropriate donations and resources, kids across the globe are missing out on the education they deserve, he said.
The organization is one that actively helps those affected by poverty achieve adequate standards of living and education.
“I think, as students, we realize we have finally grown up and can have an impact on this world,” Brubaker said. “We want to be part of this change.”
@graceoliviahill
gh663014@ohio.edu
