In her presentation, Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi will tie the efforts she’s made on behalf of women and religious minorities to the world of religious freedom, all while focusing on the importance of human rights throughout. This unique program will help the audience understand the importance of tolerance, perseverance, and belief in human rights for all; and most importantly share easy tools anyone can use to make a difference.

Human right activist Dr. Shirin Ebadi is the first Iranian and Muslim woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The 2003 accolade recognized her significant and pioneering efforts in democracy and human rights, especially for the rights of women, children and refugees.

Ebadi argues for an interpretation of Islamic law which is in harmony with vital human rights such as democracy, equality before the law, religious freedom and freedom of speech.

As a lawyer, Ebadi has been involved in many controversial political cases and as a result, has been imprisoned on several occasions.

Ebadi earned a law degree from the University of Tehran. From 1975-79 she served as president of the city court of Tehran. After the revolution in 1979 she was forced to resign. Previously a professor at the University of Tehran, she now works as a lawyer.

Lewis E. Harris Lecture on Public Policy