The evolution of the global issue of slavery was discussed in an interfaith panel Thursday at Nagel Hall as part of the Center for Judaic Studies’ Slavery Still Exists Week.
About 25 people attended the panel to listen to the speakers, who included Rabbi Yossi Serebryananski, Vice Provost for Internationalization Ved Nanda, Imam Abdur-Rahim and Rev. Gary Bower, University Chaplain.
Each speaker took time to explain how the religious doctrines guarding the importance of equality have continually been put aside.
“Religious traditions call for a united humanity rather than a divided people,” said Bower.
The meeting also allowed students and religious experts to examine the evolution of slavery and the way it continues to culturally adapt. The panel asked students to redefine slavery in their own society on a basic level.
“You must change the way you’ve been raised in your culture and the way you react to those around you,” said Rabbi Serebryanski.
The panel discussion was part of a series of events last week that made up Slavery Still Exists Week.
Events included a screening of the film Amazing Grace, a meditation session and information about modern slavery and human trafficking, which were given for free to those on campus.
The week of events was part of a collaborative effort by the DU Task Force on Modern Day Slavery and Human Trafficking, the Association of Human Rights Students at Korbel, DU Amnesty International and the International & Intercultural Communication Council.
Their goal was to bring awareness to DU about the reality of slavery and human trafficking in the modern world.
“Our goal in hosting Slavery Still Exists Week was to promote grassroots education and awareness on the issue of Human Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery,” said Dawn Carmin, who was in charge of organizing last week’s events.
According to Carmin, student awareness and involvement is important in combating this problem on a local and international level.
“There is always a need for volunteers to participate in education/awareness raising as well as generating funds to carry out trainings and providing services for those who are survivors of the crime,” she said.
“Another big step is for individuals to constantly be on the lookout for situations that don’t seem quite right, and could be potential trafficking situations.”
Suspicions of potentially illegal activity can be reported to the Colorado Network to End Human Trafficking’s 24-hour hotline.
“It would be great if people who are struck by this issue would get pro-active and donate their time and money to the fight,” Carmin said.
