Georgetown SFS on Instagram: "We are honored to announce that the 2023 SFS commencement ceremony will issue a “call for freedom” of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and the thousands of political prisoners around the world who have chosen to stand up for human rights at the sacrifice of their personal liberty. Dasha Navalnaya, Alexei’s daughter, will be speaking at the ceremony on behalf of her father and in honor of other political prisoners. This call for freedom, which is taking the place of granting a traditional honorary degree, will recognize political prisoners being held in countries across the globe, including Austin Tice (SFS’02, L’13), an SFS alumnus and student at the Georgetown Law Center who was kidnapped while reporting in Syria in 2012, and Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter currently imprisoned in Russia. SFS will also be highlighting the stories from Freedom House’s “Free Them All: A Political Prisoners Initiative” – men and women around the world who take tremendous risks to defend democratic values and human rights and are now languishing in jail. Some of those we will recognize have published articles about government abuses. Some have posted photographs or shared news online about problems authorities would rather ignore. Some have advocated for an end to the human rights violations endured by women, ethnic or religious minorities, and other marginalized groups. All have been incredibly courageous in their work. SFS has been preparing future leaders to make the world safer, more equitable, more prosperous, and more peaceful for over 100 years. This call for freedom reflects the values we have worked to instill in our graduates and demonstrates our solidarity with their fights for justice. #Hoyas2023 have inspired and led this campus during their time on the Hilltop, speaking out for causes everywhere from our backyard in Washington, DC, to the farthest corners of the planet. We can’t wait to see what they will do next – but first, to celebrate with our 2023 graduates and their loved ones at Commencement!Photo credits: Wall Street Journal, Family of Alexei Navalny, Family of Austin Tice, Freedom House" | Zootzle
