“Human Rights and You!” Lab Launch Event

Orion Hower speaking with a community member at the Lab Launch event

Orion Hower speaking with a community member at the Lab Launch event.

Nearly 70 people attended the public launch of the Albion Human Rights Lab on October 26th, 2022. Student researchers encouraged the community to know their rights, rethink what they buy, vote for their values, and take action to protect rights on campus and in the community. There was a game of trivia based on research presentations and fun prizes. Those who attended also received treats such as ethically made chocolate and foundry cupcakes.

  • Kara Anderson had a Reconsider What You Buy table, and highlighted Divine Chocolate, the only Fairtrade chocolate company co-owned by farmers.
  • Egshiglen Batjargal presented on forced Uyghur labor and what students can do to fight slave labor in Xinxianj, China and elsewhere.
  • Isaac Byrd shared the importance of buying local and information on local businesses in Albion.
  • Orion Hower offered ways students can make change and had students sign the human rights pledge.

Student volunteers from the human rights class as well as Dr. Carrie Booth Walling helped run tables such as the Know Your Rights station, and members from the League of Women Voters registered voters and offered nonpartisan voter information and assistance.