Rick Halperin

Blending theory and practice to improve the understanding and advocacy of human rights, Rick Halperin serves as an adjunct lecturer and professor of the practice of human rights at Southern Methodist University (SMU). At SMU, he directs the Human Rights Education Program, where he combines his extensive academic background with practical experience to inspire and educate future human rights advocates. Halperin's academic journey led him to earn a PhD in human rights from Auburn University, where he concentrated on the complex human rights issues facing the United States. Rick Halperin's commitment to human rights extends beyond the classroom. He has actively participated in international human rights delegations, working with esteemed organizations such as Amnesty International and the United Nations. These experiences have enriched his teaching and provided him with a global perspective on human rights challenges and solutions. His involvement in these delegations underscores his dedication to promoting human rights on a worldwide scale. In addition to his academic and international work, Halperin has been a significant figure in the movement to abolish the death penalty. He has served on the National Death Penalty Advisory Committee, where he contributed his expertise and insights to the ongoing debate about capital punishment in the United States. Currently, he is a board member of the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, where he continues to advocate for the end of this practice. Halperin is also known for leading educational journeys to sites of historical significance, such as Holocaust sites in Poland. These journeys are designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of human rights history and the importance of remembering past atrocities to prevent future ones. Through these immersive experiences, he aims to foster a sense of empathy and responsibility among participants, encouraging them to become active defenders of human rights. His research interests lie primarily in the areas of human rights and the death penalty, where he seeks to explore and address the ethical, legal, and social implications of these critical issues. Halperin's work is characterized by a commitment to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that his students and colleagues are equipped to make meaningful contributions to the field of human rights. Rick Halperin's career is a testament to his unwavering dedication to human rights education and advocacy. Through his teaching, research, and activism, he continues to inspire and empower individuals to engage with and address the pressing human rights challenges of our time. His work at Southern Methodist University and beyond reflects a lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and the protection of human dignity for all.