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| Human Rights Day: A day of thought and of reflection, a day to ask questions and to dream—a day outside the box. |
Religion, women’s rights, children’s rights, peace: these are the topics that Shipley students investigated during Human Rights Day, held February eighth. Initiated by several Middle School students eight years ago, Human Rights Day has become a highlight of the Shipley winter season. There are no classes. The entire School rearranges the schedule to hear speakers, participate in discussions, and work on projects dealing with aspects of human rights.This year, in the Upper School, students chose the topics and framed the questions. Starting with a discussion by a panel of representatives from various religions, and continuing with small discussion groups, Upper School students addressed the question, “How is it that religion, which can strengthen and support a person’s identity, can also be one of the most destructive and divisive things in the world?”
“What I have loved in response to that day is the students’ enthusiasm. I have heard more engaging comments than ever and even received for the first time emails from students thanking us.”
Maria Stroup, Student Advocate
In the Middle School, eighth graders spent several weeks researching various topics, on children’s rights around the world, women’s rights in current and historical contexts, environmental issues, immigration issues, education and a child’s right to go to school, and the role of music in calls to action for human rights. Their assignment was to give a lesson on the topic, followed by a hands-on exercise for the sixth and seventh graders, and a concluding summary and discussion.
In the Lower School, students attended a poetry workshop with Cathleen Cohen, Director of Interfaith Youth Poetry Project, accompanied by Pam Cooke from Drums for Peace. The workshop encouraged students to write poems of peace, while introducing them to percussion instruments from around the world. While some read their poems to the audience, other students played the instruments to accent the words spoken.
Michael Fowlin—An All-School Highlight
By far the most popular aspects of the day, and the ones that students found most thought-provoking, were the presentations in each division by Dr. Michael Fowlin. As an actor and psychologist, Fowlin dramatizes difficult issues of human relations in skits that range from funny to poignant. In the Lower School, his topic was bullying, while the presentations for Middle and Upper schools, geared toward an older audience, dealt with race relations, bias, gender sensitivity, and tolerance. 
Fowlin’s hope is that his audience recognizes that they can make a positive impact in their school and community if they understand that there are many different kinds of people in the world and that all people are beautiful.
“I feel that the effort put into Human Rights Day was truly respected and admired. I think Shipley students are starting to appreciate the differences in our community. I was honored to be a part of such an enlightening event that hopefully inspires positive action in the future. “
Tasha Plaza ’06, Upper School Human Rights Day organizer
February 22, 2006
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