Human trafficking conference to feature panel discussion, lectures

Photo Credit: Image of hands tied behind the back
Wed, 09/06/2017 - 08:25

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will host its ninth annual Interdisciplinary Conference on Human Trafficking Sept. 7-9.

The conference is inspired by the human trafficking work of Sriyani Tidball, assistant professor of practice in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. It features researchers from non-government organizations, academia and governmental organizations.

Along with sessions for researchers and professionals, the conference includes three free, open-to-the-public events: a panel discussion and two lectures.

The College of Law will host a discussion on "Global Knowledge: What We Know and What We Need to Know" at noon Sept. 7 in the McCollum Hall auditorium, 1875 N. 42nd St. Panelists include Tina Frundt, founder and executive director of Courtney's House; Jesse Rudy, vice president of global business solutions for International Justice Mission; and Martina Vandenberg, an attorney, and founder and president of The Human Trafficking Pro Bono Legal Center. Anna W. Shavers, Cline Williams Professor of citizenship law in the College of Law, will moderate.

Frundt will also deliver a lecture at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7, and Vandenberg will speak at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8. Both lectures are in the Nebraska Union auditorium, 1400 R St.

Laura J. Lederer, a legal scholar, researcher and activist, will receive the 2017 Prem S. Paul Award for Research in Anti-Human Trafficking at a banquet Sept. 8.

The conference is a collaboration between faculty from Nebraska's colleges of arts and sciences; business; education and human sciences; journalism and mass communications; and law. Other support is provided by Nebraska's Chancellor's Office, Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer Donde Plowman, and Office of Research and Economic Development; the Nebraska Family Alliance; Tom Tidball Photography; and International Justice Mission.