The University of Notre Dame recently hosted a high-level private consultation with United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, Farida Shaheed, during her first official visit to the United States. Shaheed, a Pakistani sociologist, is currently visiting the U.S. at the invitation of President Joe Biden and will report to the United Nations Human Rights Council on the education systems within the country.
During her visit, Shaheed visited John Adams High School in South Bend, Indiana, and participated in two panel discussions at Notre Dame. The first panel focused on the human right to education under international law and U.S. legal protections, while the second panel discussed the role of faith-based schools in providing quality education to underserved communities.
Neil Boothby, director of Notre Dame’s Global Center for the Development of the Whole Child, emphasized the importance of early childhood development and parental involvement in education. He highlighted the Center’s approach to whole child development and the need to accelerate efforts to achieve equity for all.
Professor Nicole Stelle Garnett spoke about the historical significance of faith-based schools in providing affordable, high-quality education to disadvantaged populations. She emphasized the role of these schools in lifting children out of poverty and preparing them for successful lives.
Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and share insights, with Shaheed stressing the importance of education based on human rights and enabling individuals to reach their full potential. Father Robert Dowd, President-Elect of Notre Dame, also spoke about the university’s commitment to education initiatives in Africa and Latin America.
Overall, the consultation provided a platform for meaningful discussions on education rights, parental choice, and the contributions of faith-based schools in promoting access to quality education for all.