Discuss Human Rights This December in Your Classroom

Often, when we feel vexed at the outcome of a disagreement, we say in a frustrated tone, “But I have the right...” There is sometimes confusion about the difference between a “right” and a “privilege.” A right is a protection that our government (or individuals) must grant to its citizens (or other human beings). A privilege is a benefit that is given but is not mandatory, like a driver’s license.

All students can list what they feel are their rights. As a class, discuss the items listed and work at sorting out the “rights” from the “privileges.” (This is almost an adjunct list to a description of “needs” and “wants,” which you might want to discuss first. It helps clarify the topic for younger students.)

Begin the discussion with basic human rights: dignity, respect, love, etc. Guide students to talk about ways that people infringe upon those rights on a national scale. Gradually turn the discussion to ways that human rights are infringed upon around them. Focus on a classroom and peer level. Many students do not perceive that their actions and comments can actually infringe upon others’ rights. Ask students for their suggestions on small things each of them can do to protect the rights of others, which in turn protects their own rights. Perhaps these suggestions could be announced over the PA system during the week.

Students can research and write about groups that seek to demean, harm, or take away the rights of others. Media attention has been focused on what actions constitute hate crimes. Students can discuss the motivating emotions (fear and low self-esteem are two) behind these harmful behaviors.

Children also can talk about what rights they have as students. The American Civil Liberties Union has a website at aclu.org. Talk about the rights we are entitled to under our form of government and why those rights were included as part of our Constitution. Have students make Bill of Rights signs. Each one might feature a specific amendment and an example of what it guarantees as it relates to us today.

Also, students can be encouraged to research the way children are treated in various countries, including the United States. All children are not given education, nor are they protected from abuses in the workplace. Many consumer goods and sports products we use regularly are produced by child labor.

By: Francis David