2008 Woodie Awards
UNCG joins program to assist scholars at risk
Jerry Arnold
Issue date: 11/6/07 Section: Campus News
The First Amendment to the Constitution promises Americans the rights to freedom of religion, freedom of the press, the right to assemble peacefully, to petition the government, and also freedom of speech.
In other countries, however, it is not so simple. That is why many scholars around the globe are facing the risk of persecution on account of their beliefs or identities.
UNCG recently joined a network known as Scholars at Risk-an international network that provides a safe haven for scholars who must flee oppression in their homelands. UNCG is one of only two schools in the state to be a part of this program, the other being Duke University.
"Since its founding, UNCG has sought to improve the quality of the human experience locally and across the globe," says Dr. Alan Boyette, vice provost and head of the SAR committee here at UNCG. "It has defended the academic freedom of faculty as being essential to free expression, unrestrained inquiry, and the development of new knowledge … UNCG's interest in the SAR program is therefore a natural extension of its respect for human rights and academic freedom."
UNCG joined the Scholars at Risk program in August of 2007 at the recommendation of Dr. Jerry Pubantz, a Political Science professor.
"There are a large number of scholars around the world in this era of conflict that cannot practice their profession," Pubantz stated. "It's time for the university to step up and protect human rights in these circumstances."
The SAR committee at UNCG includes Boyette and Pubantz, as well as Dr. Lyn Lawrance, associate provost for International Programs, and Dr. Roberto Campo, a French professor and director of the International and Global Studies Program.
"The Committee is developing a proposal for consideration by the Deans Council," says Boyette. "At present, it is envisioned that UNCG will host a SAR Scholar for a three-day lectureship once each semester beginning in Spring 2008. We are hopeful that, by 2009-10, we will be prepared to host one or more SAR scholars for one- or two-year visiting faculty appointments."
For more information about the Scholars at Risk program, go to scholarsatrisk.nyu.edu/Beta.
In other countries, however, it is not so simple. That is why many scholars around the globe are facing the risk of persecution on account of their beliefs or identities.
UNCG recently joined a network known as Scholars at Risk-an international network that provides a safe haven for scholars who must flee oppression in their homelands. UNCG is one of only two schools in the state to be a part of this program, the other being Duke University.
"Since its founding, UNCG has sought to improve the quality of the human experience locally and across the globe," says Dr. Alan Boyette, vice provost and head of the SAR committee here at UNCG. "It has defended the academic freedom of faculty as being essential to free expression, unrestrained inquiry, and the development of new knowledge … UNCG's interest in the SAR program is therefore a natural extension of its respect for human rights and academic freedom."
UNCG joined the Scholars at Risk program in August of 2007 at the recommendation of Dr. Jerry Pubantz, a Political Science professor.
"There are a large number of scholars around the world in this era of conflict that cannot practice their profession," Pubantz stated. "It's time for the university to step up and protect human rights in these circumstances."
The SAR committee at UNCG includes Boyette and Pubantz, as well as Dr. Lyn Lawrance, associate provost for International Programs, and Dr. Roberto Campo, a French professor and director of the International and Global Studies Program.
"The Committee is developing a proposal for consideration by the Deans Council," says Boyette. "At present, it is envisioned that UNCG will host a SAR Scholar for a three-day lectureship once each semester beginning in Spring 2008. We are hopeful that, by 2009-10, we will be prepared to host one or more SAR scholars for one- or two-year visiting faculty appointments."
For more information about the Scholars at Risk program, go to scholarsatrisk.nyu.edu/Beta.
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