The UAB Institute for Human Rights (IHR) has served as a platform for dialogue, discussion, and collaboration on issues related to human rights, social justice, and equality both locally and internationally since its creation in 2014.

The IHR employs innovative technologies and scientific methods to integrate existing UAB and community strengths to create and foster new research, policy solutions, outreach activities, and educational programming relating to all aspects of human rights, including training programs in such areas as diversity awareness, sexual harassment prevention and effective communication in the workplace to business, industry, and government entities.

In 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Alabama commissioned the IHR to help elementary school students to become more aware of bullying, online conduct, violence, and other delinquent behaviors. Project Hope, a social action curriculum created in collaboration with the UAB School of Education, educates children, teachers, school administrators, and parents about ways to combat bullying inside and outside of school.

Recently, the IHR has expanded its focus to include the human rights of individuals with disabilities. In early 2019, the Institute hosted a Symposium on Disability Rights that featured renowned scholars and disability advocates who led interactive discussions with more than 300 attendees.