14th Annual Human Rights Conference to Address Mental Health Stigmas

Mental health and the misconceptions surrounding it will be the topic of Kean University’s 14th annual Human Rights Conference, which returns to the Kean campus on Friday, March 25.

Hosted by Kean’s Human Rights Institute, the event, Stop the Stigma: Mental Health and Human Rights, will feature WNBA Hall of Fame basketball player Chamique Holdsclaw as keynote speaker. Also speaking will be Kean alumnus and therapist Francesco Rizzo-Duffy '13 and UNA-USA Youth Observer to the United Nations Cynthia Yue. 

“Mental health is a pressing issue for our world today, yet not enough is done to help those who are in need, and stigma still discourages many of those who are suffering from seeking help,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “Mental health is an equity issue; it is a quality-of-life issue; and it is a human rights issue. Kean is proud to explore this crucial topic through the Human Rights Conference.”

The Conference will take place in Wilkins Theatre on the Kean campus in Union, from 9 a.m. to noon on March 25. Attendance is free, but registration is required. 

The last Human Rights Conference, on voting, took place online due to the pandemic.

Research cited by the National Institute of Mental Health shows that nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. 

Human Rights Institute Director Lauretta Farrell, D.Litt., said research shows how the experiences of individuals living with mental health conditions are shaped by the marginalization of mental health in laws and public policy. 

“My hope is that this conference and the incredible speakers we have lined up will indeed stop the stigma attached to seeking help,” Farrell said.

Keynote speaker, mental health advocate and WNBA Hall of Famer Holdsclaw said her experiences have led her to become a motivational figure for people dealing with mental health issues today.

“I hope to use my own story and voice to destigmatize mental illness and to create awareness of available resources to the best available mental health care,” Holdsclaw said. “Regardless of mental health, everyone is deserving of being treated with dignity and respect.”

Rizzo-Duffy said his interest in mental health began early in life. “For as long as I can remember, I was usually the go-to for loved ones when they needed support. 

“As I understood more concepts in the field, I saw just how much mental health has an impact on our day-to-day interactions with everyone we encounter and how important it is to maintain a healthy mindset in order to feel a sense of satisfaction with life,” he said.

Yue said her focus is combating the widespread lack of mental health treatment.   

“I hope to promote equitable, affordable access to mental health resources and to destigmatize mental health-related issues and conversations,” Yue said. “Though we've made great progress, our society has yet to fully embrace the idea it's okay to not be okay.”

At the conference, Kean will also recognize educators and students who are committed to human rights. Attendees must register in order to attend.