Thanks to the initiative of Barb Frey, the Director of the University of Minnesota’s Human Rights Program, we will be presenting the Inna Meiman Human Rights Award to a university student again this year. I worked with her last year to give the award at an event for my book in March. I graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1986 and was thrilled to return there and give the award and $1,000 scholarship. The criteria for the award are:

>The student has demonstrated a personal commitment to the promotion and protection of international human rights through significant work on a human rights cause during their time as an undergraduate;

> Through their efforts, the student has raised the visibility of a particular human rights issue among the University community or the broader public;

> The student has made a positive difference in the life of others, and has given voice to those who might otherwise not be heard.

Last year, there were two recipients: Nora Radke and Morley Spencer. Both were involved in working with Child Protection International to advocate for child rights in South Sudan. I hope to see Nora and Morley at this year’s presentation.

Morley Spencer (left) and Nora Radtke (right), Minnesota Daily, March 9, 2011.