News
Human Rights Minor Being Developed
February 18, 2015
On Thursday, February 12, 2015, the GVSU Student Senate unanimously approved a resolution of support for the development of a Human Rights minor at GVSU. Political Science and Honors Professor Richard Hiskes is leading the task force in charge of developing the proposal for the minor. Last year, the prospectus authorizing the task force was approved.
While in his previous position at the University of Connecticut, Hiskes directed the Human Rights minor program and also developed a Human Rights major.
The Student Senate resolution approval is an important step because it indicates there is student interest in the program. Once the final proposal is developed, it will need to be approved by faculty governance and the university's governance structure.
Hiskes was interviewed for a recent article in The Lanthorn, in which he explained that human rights is a broad field that goes beyond international law. The field has attracted the attention of corporations and non-governmental organizations alike.
He aims to develop internship opportunities for students in the minor. Hiskes noted, “It’s possible to change the world and make money at the same time. Doing well by doing good.”
As an interdisciplinary program, the minor will draw on courses from a range of departments, and will be housed in the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies.