University of Oregon students propose on‑campus human rights center; Eugene commission agrees to explore formal support

Student organizers from the University of Oregon presented a proposal to establish a Human Rights Center on campus and requested support and ongoing collaboration from the Eugene Human Rights Commission.

Charlie Petrick, a University of Oregon senior and one of the student organizers, told commissioners the proposal grew from campus tensions last year and from a perceived lack of sustained, multidisciplinary opportunities for facilitated human rights discussion and applied learning on campus. Petrick said the Provost has agreed to convene a task force including students, faculty and community members to spend roughly a year developing options for a center and that the students want community input on structure, outreach and priorities.

Commissioners asked whether community members and local organizations would have access to center resources and how the center might sustain community partnerships. Petrick said students envision internships, community‑facing projects and a continuing dialogue with local partners and requested a letter or statement of support that would strengthen grant applications and other funding requests.

After discussion the commission approved a motion to explore drafting a statement of support and to determine what form a continuing relationship might take, including possible informal liaisons to the task force. Staff will follow up to coordinate a point of contact from the Office of Equity and Community Engagement.

Ending: Commissioners asked student organizers to continue engagement and staff to return with next steps about formalizing liaison and drafting the proposed statement.