Civic Engagement and Human Rights

Monday was the start to what is probably going to be the emotionally toughest week here in South Carolina. The next five days will focus on Human Rights & Diversity in the U.S. with a focus on an issue that is unfortunately still present in contemporary America: racism.

The first day was kicked off by a general discussion on human rights, with very interesting and differing inputs from the various students representing their specific countries. This was followed by an overview of American society, from statistics showing the different demographics of the United States to the issue of properly representing those demographics in Congress.

After the lunch break we had the honor to meet and have a discussion with Dr. John. H. Dozier, Chief Diversity Officer at the University of South Carolina. He showed us the work he does, the main problems the U.S. and USC are facing in 2018, and shared his thoughts for a better, more inclusive future. His inputs and positive thinking will definitely come in handy when we go back to our own communities, some of which are facing similar issues. The day ended with a mental exercise led by Alyssa Crowley, a Linguistics Grad Student at USC. They definitely managed to make us question the ideas we have about our own identities, and how those identities relate to each other and influence one another.

A very productive but very emotionally draining day, this Monday has been a great overture to what is surely going to be a week filled with passionate discussion, mutual understanding, and personal growth for every person involved.