Episode 21: Dr. Monisha Bajaj, Part One

Note: due to character limitations, this bio and episode details are an abbreviated version. Visit the HREUSA Podcast page for the full version HERE.

Audrey Osler is Professor Emerita of Citizenship and Human Rights Education (HRE) at University of Leeds, and Editor-in-Chief of Human Rights Education Review. She's the Co-Chair of International Association for Human Rights Education (IAHRE) and is known for HRE research addressing policy, curriculum, racial justice, and child rights in established democracies and post-conflict settings. She has worked for 13 years as a professor in Norway, and extended periods in the US, China, and Japan. Her books include Human Rights and Schooling: An ethical framework for teaching for social justice (2016); Where are you from? No, where are you really from? (2023); Nordic Perspectives on Human Rights Education (2024 Beate Goldschmidt-Gjerløw). 

In Episode 25, Audrey Osler shares her origins of interest in human rights and HRE and the importance of language working with anti-racist education in the UK. She explains the impact of transnational activities on her approach to HRE and how listening to peoples’ stories and understanding their meanings have enriched her life. She discusses the relationship between universal human rights standards and local experience as critical to advancing HRE and sustaining concepts of humanity in conflict-ridden situations. She discusses educating for cosmopolitan citizenship with Professor Hugh Starkey, the centrality of migration in history and contemporary society, the significance of gathering stories from marginalized groups, legacies of colonialism, and the oversimplification of history taught to students. Topics discussed:

• Importance of human rights language in anti-racist education
• Impact of transnational activities on approaches to HRE
• Universal human rights standards & local experience in conflict resolution
• Educating for cosmopolitan citizenship; migration in history & contemporary society
• Reduction of “othering” with regards to marginalized groups
• Legacy of colonialism on history curriculum

Download PDF topic listing

Introduction and Closing Music Credit: “Awakening-Spring” by Ketsa, from the Album Night Vision. Available at the Free Music Archive: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/night-vision/awakening-spring/

This music is used in accordance with this Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Information about that license is available here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Human Rights Education Now! is produced and distributed in accordance with Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International. Information about this license is available here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

In Episode 26, Audrey Osler shares her thoughts on the impediments to implementing HRE in the USA. She then explains the importance of recognizing children as citizens and the Convention of the Rights of the Child. Audrey then examines the lack of public dialogue in the US around human rights. Next, she discusses how educating journalists about human rights is critical, and how there is a lack of focus on human rights in dealing with domestic policy issues in the USA. Audrey offers a comparison to Norway and its human rights image, including an analysis of Norwegian exceptionalism with regards to human rights, as compared to the UK. Audrey then describes how education can act as a counter-socializing force and challenge notions of exceptionalism, and the need for international perspective and curriculum to challenge nationalistic education through advancing human rights education (HRE), while sustaining a love for one’s nation and still recognizing one’s common humanity. Next, she shares her sentiments and concerns regarding the rise of authoritarianism, and the importance of examining underlying causes and revisiting definitions of power and democracy. She elaborates on confronting the rise of dictatorial tendencies in political parties, and identifies our fascination with personality and spectacle as problematic. Audrey then discusses how her mother was her most Influential role model in challenging injustice, and how an important recommendation to advancing HRE would be for all governments to abide by their international commitments to human rights norms and treaties.   

Topics discussed:

• Impediments to implementing HRE in USA
• Importance of recognizing children as citizens
• Convention of the Rights of the Child
• Deficient public dialogue around human rights in USA
• Education of journalists about human rights 
• Human rights and domestic policy
• Exceptionalism in Norway, UK, and USA 
• Rise of authoritarianism, need to reexamine democracy and power  
• Fascination with personality and spectacle as problematic 

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on the HREUSA podcast website HERE.

Introduction and Closing Music Credit: “Awakening-Spring” by Ketsa, from the Album Night Vision. Available at the Free Music Archive: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/night-vision/awakening-spring/

This music is used in accordance with this Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Information about that license is available here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Human Rights Education Now! is produced and distributed in accordance with Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International. Information about this license is available here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

In Episode 24, Sandra Sirota describes the influence of Paulo Freire’s work, the  significance of structured dialogue in social justice pedagogy, and the role of emotions in the classroom. Next, she discusses the changing public human rights discourse in the USA; the power of human rights language; and using tools from peace, anti-racist, and social justice education. She then shares her thoughts on using human rights education (HRE) to advance the rights of children, and how expanding HRE into new places has the potential to impact cultural values and laws by changing patterns of thinking, and how young people educated in HRE can act as change agents. Sandra elaborates on her concerns over rising authoritarianism and the importance of using global HRE during these times as well as increasing opportunities for teacher and teacher educator training in HRE. Lastly, Sandra highlights the ways Dr. S. Garnett Russell and Jane Goodall have been influential role models for her work in HRE, and one critical change which she views would advance HRE in the US.

Topics discussed:

• Influential work of Paulo Freire
• Dialogue in social justice pedagogy
• Role of emotions in the classroom
• Changing public discourse around HRE in the USA
• Power of human rights language
• Using tools from peace, anti-racists, and social justice education
• Human rights education as a way to advance childrens’ rights
• Potential of HRE to impact cultural values, laws, patterns of thinking 
• Young people in HRE as change agents
• Rising authoritarianism and importance of global HRE
• Teacher training and HRE
• Dr. Garnett Russell and Jane Goodall as influential role models
• One idea for critical change to advance HRE in the U.S. 

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our HREUSA podcast website HERE.

Introduction and Closing Music Credit: “Awakening-Spring” by Ketsa, from the Album Night Vision. Available at the Free Music Archive: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/night-vision/awakening-spring/

This music is used in accordance with this Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Information about that license is available here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Human Rights Education Now! is produced and distributed in accordance with Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International. Information about this license is available here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Sandra Sirota, EdD is Assistant Professor in Residence in Human Rights and Experiential Global Learning and Director of Dodd Impact’s program, Human Rights Close to Home (HRCH), at the University of Connecticut. Her work explores human rights and social justice education in the United States and South Africa. Her current research focuses on how students and teachers conceptualize and actualize human rights in conjunction with HRCH. Sandra’s recent articles have appeared in Comparative Education Review and the International Journal of Human Rights Education. She co-chairs the University and College Consortium for Human Rights Education. Sandra earned her doctorate from Columbia University.

In Episode 23, Sandra Sirota shares her early interest in human rights and human rights education, her work with Human Rights Watch, the creation of the Advocacy Lab, and the Connections Project at Cornell University. Next, she discusses the Human Rights Close to Home Program, the importance of civic engagement for students, and the challenges of implementing human rights education (HRE) in schools. Furthermore, Sandra elaborates on Tibbitts’ three models of HRE, the importance of diverse approaches to HRE in varied communities, and research with the Social Justice Project in New London, Connecticut schools. Sandra then explains the challenges and strategies for educating pre-service and veteran teachers about HRE, resistance to HRE implementation in schools, and approaches to civic engagement with HRE. Lastly, Sandra highlights the importance of intergenerational collaborations, and the significance of peer support that strengthens solidarity among students. 

Topics discussed:

• Early interest in human rights and human rights education (HRE)
• Human Rights Watch
• Advocacy Lab
• Connections Project at Cornell University
• Human Rights Close to Home Program
• Importance of civic engagement 
• Challenges to implementing HRE in schools
• Tibbitts’ three models of HRE
• Importance of diverse approaches to HRE 
• Research with the Social Justice Project 
• Challenges and strategies for educating pre-service & veteran teachers 
• Importance of intergenerational collaborations 

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our HREUSA podcast website HERE.

Introduction and Closing Music Credit: “Awakening-Spring” by Ketsa, from the Album Night Vision. Available at the Free Music Archive: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/night-vision/awakening-spring/

This music is used in accordance with this Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Information about that license is available here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Human Rights Education Now! is produced and distributed in accordance with Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International. Information about this license is available here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

In Episode 22, Dr. Monisha Bajaj shares HRE and peace education strategies to apply when working with marginalized groups, as well as her partner project with immigrant students in Oakland, California, and the book that emerged from the partner project. Next, Dr. Bajaj discusses how the HRE framework helps students from all backgrounds by broadening their perspective. Dr. Bajaj then explains the connections between HRE and social justice, and her thoughts on using HRE to focus on social and economic rights and address endemic problems. Dr. Bajaj also shares the importance of having leaders who are human rights-informed and her concerns for a growing authoritarianism in the U.S. and abroad. Dr. Bajaj then emphasizes the value of a national HRE conference, and John Terry and the New Jersey HRE conference on human rights and climate change. Lastly, she describes her most significant role models in HRE; a quote that summarizes her views on HRE; and one critical change she thinks would advance HRE in  the U.S. 

Topics discussed:

• HRE strategies when working with marginalized groups
• Partner project with immigrant students in Oakland, California.
• HRE framework supporting students from diverse backgrounds
• Connection between HRE and social justice 
• HRE as a framework for working on social and economic rights
• Importance of having leaders who are human-rights informed
• Growing trend toward authoritarianism
• HRE National conference
• John Terry and the New Jersey HRE Conference
• Significant role model and inspiring quote 
• Critical change that would advance HRE in the U.S.  

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on the HREUSA podcast website HERE.

Introduction and Closing Music Credit: “Awakening-Spring” by Ketsa, from the Album Night Vision. Available at the Free Music Archive: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/night-vision/awakening-spring/

This music is used in accordance with this Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Information about that license is available here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Human Rights Education Now! is produced and distributed in accordance with Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International. Information about this license is available here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Dr. Monisha Bajaj is a Professor of International and Multicultural Education at the University of San Francisco. She is the editor and author of eight books and numerous articles on issues of peace, human rights, migration, and education, including  Humanizing Education for Immigrant and Refugee Youth and World Yearbook of Education 2023: Racialization and Educational Inequality in Global Perspective. Dr. Bajaj has developed curriculum and teacher training materials—related to human rights, racial justice, ethnic studies, and sustainability—for non-profit and national advocacy organizations as well as inter-governmental organizations, such as UNICEF and UNESCO. In 2015, she received the Ella Baker/Septima Clark Human Rights Award (2015) from Division B of the American Educational Research Association (AERA).

In Episode 21, Dr. Monisha Bajaj shares her interest in human rights and human rights education, as well as her work at Human Rights Watch. Dr. Bajaj then discusses the work of Paolo Freire and Richard Pierre Claude. Next, she describes her work with Betty Reardon, and the evolution of the field of human rights education (HRE). Dr. Bajaj expounds upon the significance of social media and internet technologies in spreading HRE along with contemporary HRE challenges, including rising fascism. Later, Dr. Bajaj raises questions about the relevance of human rights and her thoughts on the impact of decolonization scholarship. She also explains the linkages between HRE and peace education; the importance of her work with immigrant and refugee communities; and the heightened presence of human rights across university programs. Lastly, Dr. Bajaj shares her thoughts on the reconceptualization of public discourse on human rights, and how the U.S. remains far behind in integrating HRE in mass public education.

Topics discussed:

• Work at Human Rights Watch
• Paolo Freire and Richard Peirre Claude
• Dr. Betty Reardon
• Evolution of the field of human rights education
• Impact of social media and internet technologies in spreading HRE
• Relevance of human rights 
• Impact of decolonization scholarship 
• Linkages between HRE and peace education
• Work with immigrant and refugee communities
• Reconceptualizing public discourse on human rights

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Introduction and Closing Music Credit: “Awakening-Spring” by Ketsa, from the Album Night Vision. Available at the Free Music Archive: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/night-vision/awakening-spring/

This music is used in accordance with this Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Information about that license is available here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Human Rights Education Now! is produced and distributed in accordance with Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International. Information about this license is available here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

In Episode 20, Anita Yudkin-Suliveres elaborates on her relationships with other scholars in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Spanish-speaking world, as well as her Teaching For Freedom work in Costa Rica. Next, Anita discusses the lack of dialogue between the Global North and South, and the importance of accessing different ways of knowing when educating for peace, such as those from Indigenous voices. Furthermore, Anita shares her thoughts on critical pedagogy and how it has been retained as Latin American Human Rights Education (HRE). She then elaborates on the role of Paolo Freire’s work in HRE and social justice movements in Puerto Rico, along with the practice of applying a critical pedagogical lens to housing, education, and health issues in Puerto Rico. Anita also shares her thoughts on local Puerto Rican issues and their connection to global trends and issues. She then expounds upon future trends for HRE and Peace Education, such as the collaboration of scholars and activists addressing the growing trend of authoritarianism across the globe. Anita further elaborates on the development of new competencies. Lastly, Anita discusses an influential role model for her work in HRE and Peace Education – the late Dr. Betty Reardon.

Topics discussed:

• Her relationships with scholars in Latin America and the Caribbean
• Teaching for Freedom work 
• Lack of dialogue between the Global South and North
• Importance of accessing different ways of knowing 
• Critical pedagogy 
• Paolo Freire’s impact on social justice movements in Puerto Rico
• Future trends in HRE and Peace Education
• Development of new competencies
• Influential role model, Dr. Betty Reardon

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on the HREUSA podcast website HERE.

Introduction and Closing Music Credit: “Awakening-Spring” by Ketsa, from the Album Night Vision. Available at the Free Music Archive: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/night-vision/awakening-spring/

This music is used in accordance with this Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Information about that license is available here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Human Rights Education Now! is produced and distributed in accordance with Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International. Information about this license is available here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Anita Yudkin-Suliveres is an educator who works in the field of teacher education. She is a professor in the Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, and Coordinator of the UNESCO Chair on Education for Peace at the University of Puerto Rico. For over twenty years she has worked in human rights and peace education in formal educational settings and in collaboration with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations. Her areas of interest in teaching, research, and action include education for peace and human rights, children’s rights, learning to live together in schools, and qualitative research in education from a critical perspective. 

In Episode 19, Anita Yudkin-Suliveres discusses the origin of her interest in human rights, human rights education (HRE), and peace education. She elaborates on her work in El Salvador and Amnesty International regarding children’s rights in Puerto Rico. Anita describes the project, Teaching for Freedom, and her role as UNESCO Chair in Peace Education at the University of Puerto Rico. Anita emphasizes the significance of collaborations between university departments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and the growing number of young people engaged in these collaborations. Next, Anita shares insights on the connections between her work and the political status of Puerto Rico and issues of decolonization and self-determination. She discusses her work in peace education and the link between Puerto Rico’s lack of political and economic autonomy, and the U. S. Congress’ creation of a fiscal oversight and management board which has had serious impacts on public policy in Puerto Rico. Anita provides suggestions around classroom strategies to address social problems in Puerto Rico that emphasize human dignity, and her understanding of what peace means in the current Puerto Rican reality while also addressing global issues such as migration, climate change and global violence along with their interconnections.

Topics discussed:

• Origins of her interest in human rights and peace education
• Her work in El Salvador with Amnesty International
• Teaching for Freedom project
• Role as UNESCO Chair in Peace Education at the University of Puerto Rico
• Connections between HRE and political status of Puerto Rico
• U.S. Congress’ fiscal oversight and impact on public policy in Puerto Rico
• Classroom strategies to address social problems in Puerto Rico

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on the HREUSA podcast website HERE. 

Introduction and Closing Music Credit: “Awakening-Spring” by Ketsa, from the Album Night Vision. Available at the Free Music Archive: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/night-vision/awakening-spring/

This music is used in accordance with this Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Information about that license is available here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Human Rights Education Now! is produced and distributed in accordance with Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International. Information about this license is available here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Sociologist Yvonne Vissing, PhD, is Professor of Healthcare Studies and Director of the Center for Childhood & Youth Studies and the Center for Human Rights Education at Salem State University.  Author of 20 books, including Children’s Human Rights in the USA, she is US policy chair for the Hope for Children CRC Policy Center in Cyprus and on committees of HRE USA and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a former NIMH Post-doctoral research fellow.

In Episode 17, Yvonne Vissing discusses her Initial interest in human rights and human rights education, as well as the significance of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and her work in dealing with the social problems of children. She shares her thoughts on the United States’ failure to ratify the CRC, and the connections between her clinical experience and human rights education. Next, Yvonne shares her thoughts on the way in which human rights treaties can inform strategies to address social problems, including strategies for educating the population about homelessness. Lastly, she discusses her work with the Centers for Children and Youth and Human Rights Education at Salem State University and programs delivered by the centers. 

Topics discussed:

• Initial interest in human rights and human rights education
• Convention on the Rights of the Child
• Social problems with children
• The United States’ failure to ratify the CRC
• Connection between clinical experience and human rights education
• Human rights treaties informing strategies to address social issues
• Strategies for educating the population about homelessness
• The Center for Children and Youth and Human Rights Education

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on the HREUSA  podcast website HERE. 

Introduction and Closing Music Credit: “Awakening-Spring” by Ketsa, from the Album Night Vision. Available at the Free Music Archive: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/night-vision/awakening-spring/

This music is used in accordance with this Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Information about that license is available here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Human Rights Education Now! is produced and distributed in accordance with Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International. Information about this license is available here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

In Episode 18, Yvonne Vissing shares her thoughts on the absence of discussion around human rights in public discourse and the lack of US knowledge around the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). She goes on to discuss human rights education (HRE) and social justice connections along with the significance of the human rights framework as a way to encompass social justice concerns. Yvonne then expounds upon the necessity of keeping children safe and protected. She elaborates on the ongoing failure of governments to address children’s needs. She shares her thoughts on the integration of HRE within strategies to address children’s needs and the importance of training childcare workers and educating parents, while holding professionals accountable. Next, Yvonne discusses Felisa Tibbitts’ HRE model of professional accountability and the integration of HRE as a central focus for professional training to protect children. Lastly, Yvonne shares a few of her key role models for her work in HRE. 

Topics discussed:

• Absence of discussion around human rights in public discourse
• Lack of knowledge around the Convention on the Rights of the Child
• Human rights education and social justice connections 
• Human rights framework as a way to encompass social issues
• Necessity of keeping children safe and protected
• Ongoing failure of governments to address children’s needs
• Integration of HRE into training for professionals who work with children
• Felisa Tibbitts’ HRE model for professional accountability 
• Key role models in human rights education

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on the HREUSA  podcast website HERE.

Introduction and Closing Music Credit: “Awakening-Spring” by Ketsa, from the Album Night Vision. Available at the Free Music Archive: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/night-vision/awakening-spring/

This music is used in accordance with this Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Information about that license is available here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Human Rights Education Now! is produced and distributed in accordance with Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International. Information about this license is available here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/