Human Rights Institute
As a public university, we at Kean have an obligation to provide a forum for discussion about contemporary social justice issues and to help students and community members understand these concerns and the tools they need to address them.
Our Mission Statement
The Human Rights Institute at Kean University was established to shine a light on human rights issues and violations across the globe, while inspiring the next generation of leaders to create a more just and peaceful world. We do this in a number of ways – through coursework and curricula aimed at promoting understanding and tolerance; special events including lectures, book discussions and film screenings; exhibits in our Human Rights Institute Gallery; and our Annual Human Rights Conference.
Senior Human Rights Fellow
The Human Rights Institute (HRI) is dedicated to promoting human rights issues, advocacy, and social change. To support these initiatives, the HRI highlights individuals committed to creating a more just future through volunteerism, activism, and leadership with the Senior Human Rights Fellowship program.
We are proud to announce Ndaba Mandela as our Senior Human Rights Fellow for the 2024-25 academic year!
The late South Africa President Nelson Mandela had a “long walk to freedom,” yet his footprints remain clear. Following in the footsteps of his beloved and iconic grandfather, Ndaba Mandela has taken the torch – and ran with it. Today, Nelson Mandela’s legacy lives on as Ndaba continues to keep its beacon of hope bright, fueling its fiery message that one person can make a difference. Thankfully for all, the legacy lives. Ndaba is the co-founder and chairman of the Mandela Institute for Humanity, where he uplifts the next generation of African leaders and fights for the end of HIV/AIDS. He was recently named one of the “28 Men of Change” by BET and is featured in their International Emmy-nominated docuseries The Mandela Project, which centers on the legacy of Nelson Mandela and debuted on BET's YouTube channel on July 18, 2023. His book, Going to the Mountain: Life Lessons from My Grandfather, Nelson Mandela, is the first-ever to tell Nelson Mandela's life through the eyes of the grandson who was raised by him, chronicling Ndaba's life living with, and learning from, one of the greatest leaders and humanitarians the world has ever known. Ndaba was a keynote at the HRI's 16th annual Human Rights Conference Freedom, Equity and Justice for All: One Person Can Make a Difference.
Please join us in welcoming Ndaba Mandela back to Kean University's campus from November 11-15, 2024. To learn more about our upcoming events in recognition of Human Rights Week, visit the events tab on our webpage.
Drag Brunch - A Vibrant Celebration
On Saturday, October 19, the Human Rights Institute hosted our inaugural Drag Brunch in the HRI Gallery. The event was held against the backdrop of the current exhibit, “Wigstock," which captured moments from the Wigstock festival in NYC in the early 1990s. The HRI aimed to provide a safe and affirming space for a cross-section of campus life to come together in celebration of inclusivity, authenticity, and the power of creativity in combating discrimination against marginalized populations. More than 80 Kean students, staff, faculty, and alumni experienced a powerful performance from three fabulous drag queens, including Kean alum Kay Gorgeous, showcasing their amazing talents. The event concluded with a vulnerable and enlightening Q&A with the drag queens. Allowing those in the audience to connect with the LGBTQIA+ community firsthand is one step closer to ensuring inclusivity and acceptance of all.
March for Our Lives: Road to Change
Kean University students Spencer Martin ’19 and Gunneet Malhi ‘21, and recent alumni Sarah Coykendall ’18 and Sarah Mack ‘18 attended the March for Our Lives: Road to Change in Morristown, N.J. The event, part of a 75-city tour, was designed to educate young people a
