Mission

The Institute for Human Rights at UAB serves as an internationally renowned platform for interdisciplinary interaction and collaboration for scholars, educators, students, practitioners, and advocates to raise awareness, engage in education, foster research, and design initiatives for practical action and outreach resulting in the promotion and protection of human and civil rights locally, nationally, and globally.

Our vision is to prepare, transform, and support the leaders of the global human rights community by creating innovative educational programs, research initiatives, and outreach solutions.

History

The Institute for Human Rights was initiated by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences along with key faculty members in 2014 to provide a framework for Birmingham’s human and civil rights activities and to connect the city's historical significance in the struggle for civil rights to national and international collaborative initiatives. The IHR was established in 2014 and is part of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Activities Statement

In line with its mission, the purpose of all UAB Institute for Human Rights (IHR) programs, activities, and endeavors is to serve as a platform for interdisciplinary interaction and collaboration for scholars, educators, students, practitioners, and advocates to raise awareness, engage in education, foster research, and design initiatives for practical action and outreach resulting in the promotion and protection of human and civil rights locally, nationally, and globally. Our programs, activities, and endeavors may present difficult, objectionable, or controversial topics for consideration, but will do so through an objective, scholarly lens designed to encourage critical thinking. Our programs, activities, and endeavors are open to anyone – all are welcome. No attendee or participant in our programs, activities, and endeavors will be required to assent or agree with any concept considered “divisive” under Alabama law, nor penalized for refusing to support or endorse such a concept. All participants and attendees are strongly encouraged to think independently and analytically about all material presented and express their views in a time, place, and manner, consistent with the basic tenets of civil discourse, mutual respect for all opinions, and in accordance with the University’s commitment to free and open thought, inquiry, and expressions.