How do we Teach the Pathway Topic of “Human Rights” through Case Studies and Student Activities?

Ana M. Lopez

any a course in college has to follow a pathway requirement that makes it easier for students to transfer credits from one campus to the other. General categories were created to have curriculum follow these general categories to create a universal standard for all learning in college. College students through the years in college

College students through the years in college should have acquired general knowledge about human rights. The topic of human rights is seriously undertaken in the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Unit of the Humanities department at Hostos Community College. So, how do we teach the topic of “human rights”? The following is an excerpt of a suggested method to teach “human rights” utilizing a case study that implements student activities, readings assignments, reflection writings, and class discussions that have an impact on the consciousness, and thus students acquire a deeper understanding of human rights and retain the knowledge.

There is a five-part methodology utilized and recommended in my teaching of human rights:

1. Selecting of a case study that is relevant in space and time;

2. Methodology – lessons in the classroom and inclusions in curriculum
   (assignment of selective readings);

3. Development of student activities and student engagement through attendance of college community events;

4. Required written reflections;

5. Shared experience and discussion

The selection of the case study needs to be relevant in space and time for students to appreciate its importance. The case study is the “The Humanitarian case of Puerto Rican Political Prisoner Oscar López Rivera.” Who is Oscar López Rivera? Now going on to age 74, Oscar López Rivera is the longest-held political prisoner in Puerto Rican history. He was charged with “seditious conspiracy”—the same charge for which Nelson Mandela was imprisoned—for his participation in Puerto Rico’s independence movement. He was sentenced to 70 years in prison. He has been in prison more than 35 years (longer than Mandela) and, within that time, spent 12 years in solitary confinement. Oscar was never accused of hurting anyone or participating in any violent crime—only for fighting to see Puerto Rico free from US colonial rule. Several heads of state, attending the annual Organization of American States General Assembly, proclaimed Oscar to be “the Nelson Mandela of Latin America”.

In the present time, there is a growing national and international campaign for Oscar’s release. International human rights leaders such as Nobel Laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, Adolfo Perez Esquivel of Argentina, José Ramos Horta of East Timor, Mairead Corrigan Maguire of Ireland and others. Puerto Ricans across the political and religious spectrum, including Puerto Rico’s Governor and Resident Commissioner, the Archbishop of San Juan, and tens of thousands people have signed letters for his release. On November 11, 2016 a petition to the White House was launched and achieved 100,000 signatures within 30 days. Currently, the petition has surpassed with 108, 431 signatures. The urgency for Oscar’s release now comes as President Obama has only one month remaining in office and the unlikelihood of the next president granting a presidential clemency.

The selected readings were the books Between Torture and Resistance and Cartas a Karina/Letters a Karina both by Oscar López Rivera written from prison. In Cartas a Karina, President José Ramos Horta of East Timor, United Nations Special Representative and 1996 Nobel Peace Laureate, wrote his commentary after reading the book:

“We learned during East Timor’s freedom struggle the importance of honoring political prisoners. Now Puerto Rican prisoner Oscar López Rivera honors us by sharing these heartfelt letters, penned to his grand-daughter over the course of her life-all of which he has served behind bars. Today, across the Puerto Rican political spectrum and across the world, people call out for Oscar López Rivera’s immediate, humanitarian release. Join me in standing with Oscar’s goal of hugging his Karina outside the prison walls.”

Under the third methodology, as faculty adviser to the Puerto Rican Student Organization, I advised students to organize a book celebration of Cartas a Karina by Oscar López Rivera—as a humanitarian experience.

From November 10-13, 2016, Clarisa López, Oscar López Rivera’s only daughter, embarked on an East Coast tour of Cartas a Karina. The letters touched the hearts and minds of all present. Here are some high lights of this tour: At Hostos Community College on November 10, 2016, there were two sessions, one at 12:30 pm for day students that was well attended as the conference room was filled with college students and faculty. The theatre students dramatized the letters so well that they themselves could not contain their tears.

In the letter “Hands on a Prison Glass,” Oscar writes of his inability to touch his only granddaughter while an infant:

“…we invented a peculiar game: you would put your small infant hand on the glass, and I would also put mine on it, so that the four would coincide and we could “touch”.

The hands would jump, and chase each other, and behave like spiders wrapped in the invisible threads of love. We could not touch- the glass prevented us- but a special language emerged between you and me-between the tender hands, Karina, and my old ones, pale from confinement, wanting to be able to fly, but contended and humbled

when you caressed them.” (Cartas a Karina p. 36)

Hostos-Prof. Natasha Yannacañedo of VPA unit, with Sergio Mauritz Ang and Nadja Gonzalez, Hostos theatre students dramatize the letters published of Political Prisoner Oscar Lopez Riera Cartas a Karina.

That emotional feeling was transmitted to the audience as well. A glanced at the audience depicted the faculty and student alike crying as they heard Oscar’s words. The letter “The hands on the prison glass/Las manos en el cristal” was one that touched everyone’s hearts and minds.

Clarisa López reads letters to day students from Oscar Lopez Rivera’s (her dad’s) book Cartas a Karina.

The evening event was held in an open space (the Atrium on the bridge), surrounded by huge glass windows; almost intended for our collective human feelings to be transported to Oscar in Terra Haute federal prison in Indiana. Oscar’s letters to his granddaughter Karina has an impact to our deepest sentiments. A Hostos theatre student of Philippine descent read the letter “The Silent Shadow” where Oscar relates his experience in Vietnam after he was drafted as a young man. He conveyed the sentiment of solidarity Oscar felt with the Vietnamese people in a particular village. Oscar states that although he was decorated with a Bronze Star by the US army, the Vietnam experience had an overwhelming impact on his life to his conscience. When he returned home to his community in Chicago, he became a leader in community struggles against police brutality, education equality, fair housing practice, and founded many of the community organizations that are still intact in the Humboldt Park community.

The letters touch such universal themes of love for family, homeland, solidarity, hope, compassion, resilience, struggle, strength, and the human spirit that they transcend the coldness of the prison bars and cell that Oscar has been living for 35 years. Yet none of the letters contain a shred of anger, bitterness, or negativity that the jailers intended to instill in Oscar. His humanity and spiritual strength shielded him from everything that is dehumanizing in prison.

Clarisa López, Keynote speaker at evening book celebration at Hostos Community College- Atrium.

Clarisa López was the keynote speaker of the event. She added a special voice to the event that furthered our human sentiments. She read letters that her father, “Mi Viejo,” had written to her. One cannot imagine how difficult it has been for Clarisa and Karina not to have Oscar home physically all those 35 years, not present at her daughter’s graduations, Christmas celebrations, Three King days, birthdays, and etc. Yet the letters reveal a family unity and closeness. Love transcends all barriers.

In one of the classes at Hostos, Clarisa did a presentation to high school students (ages ranged from 16-18 years old) who are taking college classes (College Now program) students helped Clarisa read the Cartas a Karina. She was asked what the most difficult moment was for her. Clarisa related that every time she visits with her father at the federal prison, she is overcome with sadness when she must leave her father behind. Then, she explains how a “gulag” sounds: she hears the sounds of heavy iron gates slam behind her three times. She could not contain her tears before the students, and the students returned it with empathy and embraces.

The cultural component was performed by a local group “Herencia de mi Tambor” with bomba and plena rhythms that filled the room.

Another student, Sebastian, approached Clarisa in tears to share his feelings of how much of what she said about Oscar reminded him of his own father. He said “I know how you feel not having your father home. I lost my father at age 10.” Sebastian had made a human connection with Clarisa, both embraced each other in solidarity.

On November 10th various students wrote reflections on the Hostos book celebration Cartas a Karina. Cynthia Paniagua, a Hostos student taking LAC 101 from Prof. Lopez’s class, wrote:

“On Thursday, November 10th, I witness how loved and admired Oscar López Rivera is by his family, friends and community. Lopez’s daughter, Clarisa talked about his greatness and it made me sad to see how so much his family misses him. I also witness that through his letter to his granddaughter Karina, he never loses contact with her. The sadness of this touched my heart deeply because it is so hard having to live without a love one who is in prison for so many years. Oscar López Rivera letters revealed how he has built a beautiful relationship with his daughter and granddaughter throughout all their lives.”

These letters by a Puerto Rican political prisoner, one of the longest held in Puerto Rican history, has impacted all generations, especially those born during his 35 years in prison. Stephany Henriquez, in her reflection, wrote: “Cartas a Karina is a very inspiring book…knowing how much someone can love without being able to be held makes it a sad situation.” Stephany is making a reference to the letter “The hands on the prison glass” when under the 12 years of solitary confinement, Oscar was prohibited by prison official to have contact visits with his family. Stephany expresses her empathy and places herself in Clarisa’s shoes:

“Watching his daughter Clarisa express herself made me tear. I can’t imagine myself being away from my dad for so long. I don’t think I would know what to do. You could see the pain in Clarisa eyes and how she spoke about him. All Oscar wanted freedom and peace for his people.”

Another student from LAC 101, Daniela Santana writes in her reflection that “at the tribute for Oscar López Rivera, we heard his thoughts and imagery of what he experienced in prison…. I admire this man because he fought for what is righteous as his daughter, Clarisa explained.”

“Even though prison created a physical barrier between daughter and granddaughter, they did not let that interfere with their love and relationship. Thursday night at the book celebration “Cartas a Karina”, I was able to see how strong Clarisa is and how hard she fights for her father’s freedom. It is heartwarming to see so many people from different countries come together and unite for Oscar López Rivera, who is a son, father, grandfather, and brother waiting for his return home after so many injustices. I do

hope President Obama listens to the people’s request for Oscar’s immediate release.”

Another student, Yendry de la Rosa, goes further how these letters impacted her to a call for action:

“These letters narrate a very touching story and by reading it, it makes me feel angry and sad at the same time. Seeing all this suffering, makes me want to go out and help Oscar to be free from prison.”

Many stood in line to take turns taking pictures with Clarisa and have her autograph the book written from prison by her father, Oscar. Each presentation was unique, warm, and a pledge to join every effort to free Oscar, now!

UPDATE: On January 17, 2017, President Obama commuted Puerto Rican political prisoner Oscar Lopez Rivera's (case study) 70 year sentence and granted clemency . He is free living in Puerto Rico after 36 years of imprisonment.