View the summary report of these programs and experiences, highlighting each of the events presented, key topics to explore and actions to consider in furthering civil rights.

In conjunction with the Chapel’s 50th Anniversary and commitment to furthering social justice nationally and internationally, this two-part event series examined different understandings of and approaches to furthering human rights and civil liberties in the United States.  

The fall 2021 virtual lectures explored both the historical contexts and contemporary conditions surrounding LGBTQIA+ rights, Indigenous perspectives on the concepts of human rights, immigrants’ rights, and economic and racial justice in America. The spring 2022 virtual symposium then examined how individuals, grassroots initiatives, and policy makers can work together to create a more equitable future, and covered the following topics: freedom of speech, the future of civil rights, public health and civil rights, reimagining policing and prisons, sustaining activism, voting rights, and organizing for change.

Series questions included: How have civil rights historically been understood and applied in this country? Who benefits from current civil rights, and who has been left out? Which civil rights and liberties are particularly at-risk today? How can we become more effective advocates and activists as we work to address injustice and create an equitable society? How can we rethink our approaches to the concept of rights, responsibilities, and civil liberties? And how can we sustain our passion for social justice and long-haul activism?

Undewriting Support for the Rothko Chapel's 2021-2022 Program Season was provided by Gayle and Mike DeGeurin, Cristy and Michael Jadick, C.C. Lee, Sonja Earthman Novo, Christina and Troy Porter, Elsa Ross, Robin and Andrew Schirrmeister, and Sarita Tennant. Thank you for your support!