2007 Human Rights Law and Policy Conference

 Children Left Behind: A Child’s Right to Education in the U.S.

Friday, June 15, 2007
8:30 am — 4:30 pm
Dorsey and Whitney LLP
50 South Sixth Street, 15th Floor
Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Advocates will host its fifth annual human rights law and policy conference, Children Left Behind: A Child’s Right to Education in the United States. Children deserve equal access to a quality education without discrimination. The human right to education promotes a child’s right to a quality education in a safe and respectful learning environment. When education assists children in recognizing their capabilities, they are able to reach their full potential and contribute to society. Prominent keynote speakers will discuss why addressing this issue as a right for all children is important, what the current state of education in the U.S. is, and how it measures up to international human rights standards for education. Expert panelists from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds will address the barriers children face to accessing equal education, such as race, class, geography, disability, segregation, poverty, legislation and funding. They will also discuss strategies to eliminate inequity within the education system. A group of young adults will perform spoken word during lunch.

Topics:
Education as a Human Right
The Current State of Education
Identifying the Barriers to Accessing Education in the U.S. Addressing the Barriers to Equitable Access to Education
Strategizing a Minnesota Response

                                                Panelists:
Featured speakers include Mary Jo Brooks Hunter, Hamline University School of Law; Anne Carroll, St. Paul School Board Member; Peggy Flanagan, Minneapolis School Board Member;  Amy J. Goetz, School Law Center; Baris Gumus-Dawes, Institute on Race and Poverty; Natela Jordan, Human Rights Center, University of Minnesota; Carlos Mariani, The Minnesota Minority Education Partnership; Joe Nathan, Center for School Change, University of Minnesota; Kathleen O’Donnell, Program Manager, Destination 2010, The Minneapolis Foundation; Ladan Yusef, Crossing Barriers.

                                             Cosponsors:
Dorsey and Whitney LLP, Minnesota Dream Fund, Education Minnesota, Human Rights Center, Institute on Race and Poverty, Admission Possible, African American Family Services.

CLE, CEU and university credits will be applied for.

Directions and Parking Information
Coference brochure
Registration form

Questions?  Contact Julia Kashaeva: (612) 341-3302, ext. 127; jkashaeva@mnadvocates.org