Essay

Controversial Past: DOJ Lawyer’s Harvard Essay on Hitler Sparks Debate Amid Antisemitism Claims

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BOSTON — A recent court proceeding highlighted the actions of a Department of Justice lawyer, drawing attention to a contentious episode from his time at Harvard University. Michael Velchik, currently involved in a case that accuses Harvard of tolerating antisemitic behavior on its campus, previously faced scrutiny for an essay he wrote as an undergraduate, in which he adopted the persona of Adolf Hitler. During a Latin class assignment in his senior year, Velchik chose to explore Hitler’s viewpoint, a decision that resulted in his professor rejecting the submission and requiring him to select a … Read more

Student Celebrates Diversity in America with Award-Winning Essay for Law Day Contest

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KANELAND, Ill. — A poignant essay by Isabel Aguilera, a junior at Kaneland High School, has secured second place in the Law Day contest, showcasing her perspective on the rich diversity that defines America. In her piece, Aguilera likens the nation to a vibrant bouquet, emphasizing that it is not merely a collection of homogenous red roses but rather a mix of diverse flowers. Aguilera argues that this diversity is crucial to the American identity. “An abundance of color and size captures how American society thrives,” she writes. Her reflections resonate with the theme of … Read more

Global Legal Minds Converge to Tackle Human Trafficking: Human Rights Essay Award 2025 Shines Light on Innovative Solutions

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Washington, D.C. – This year, the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law has honored 73 legal professionals from across the globe, who submitted English and Spanish essays addressing one of the most critical human rights issues today: human trafficking. The Human Rights Essay Award 2025 is a prestigious recognition aimed at spurring scholarly engagement and proposing viable solutions to combat human trafficking and uphold human dignity. Human trafficking, as one of the gravest violations of human rights, invokes an urgent call for action. The essays submitted have explored varied facets of the issue, presenting … Read more

Global Legal Minds Converge to Combat Human Trafficking Through Innovative Essay Award

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Washington, D.C. – The Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at American University has once again thrown a spotlight on some of the most pressing global challenges through its annual Human Rights Essay Award. This year, the competition drew an impressive 73 entries in both English and Spanish, submitted by legal professionals and scholars from across the world. The 2025 edition’s theme focused on the critical issue of human trafficking, underpinning the persistent violation of human dignity and fundamental human rights. The essays submitted tackled the complex subject of human trafficking from a variety … Read more