Human Rights Education Now!
Human Rights Education Now! is a podcast that aims to (1) inform a broader audience in the U.S. and internationally about human rights education (HRE) stories, practices, related issues and theories, (2) expand awareness and knowledge about HRE USA and its programs, and (3) engage partner individuals, groups and organizations in changing the conversation about rights in the U.S. to one employing a human rights education lens.
Human Rights Education Now!
Episode 61: Bill Fernekes, Part Two
In Part Two, Bill Fernekes emphasizes the need to balance theory and practice in human rights education (HRE), advocating for curriculum transformation grounded in dignity and decolonization. He explores the link between human rights, public policy, and poverty, highlighting programs like the California Task Force and Human Rights Close to Home. Bill stresses that HRE should empower—not indoctrinate—students. He critiques the U.S. for not ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and envisions its integration into education. Looking ahead, he supports expanding the podcast’s scope with new hosts and more youth involvement. He honors role models Nancy Flowers and Paul Robeson, emphasizing the power of lived values and universal advocacy. Bill calls for mandatory human rights education in all teacher licensure and professional training programs, closing with gratitude and reflections on the importance of resisting injustice.
Topics Discussed:
- Balancing HRE theory and practice; curriculum transformation and dignity
- Decolonizing education and connecting HRE to public policy and poverty
- Advocacy vs. indoctrination in educational settings
- UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: U.S. resistance and educational potential
- Podcast future: Dialogues, youth voices, and expansion beyond K–12
- Role models: Nancy Flowers and Paul Robeson’s lasting influence
- Key recommendation: Require HRE in all teacher licensure and training programs
- Final reflections and closing acknowledgments
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/