2009-10 Focus Is on the Right to Food and Water The College of Arts & Sciences is dedicating this academic year as the Year of International Human Rights 2009-10: The Right to Food and Water to call attention to the far-reaching human rights problems connected with food and water. We invite you to join in our activities, which have been chosen to raise awareness about issues related to two of our most basic needs. Keep abreast of events by checking the left-hand column of this web page. For more information on international human rights, see the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration's Article 25.1 states that "Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and his family, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care and necessary social services..."

What Should We Eat? An Omnivore's Dilemma 2009-10 freshmen at all Webster campuses are reading The Omnivore's Dilemma, Michael Pollan's thought-provoking examination of food production and American eating habits. The book raises important issues about habits and processes that may have undesirable consequences for humanity.

Teaching Resources for The Omnivore's Dilemma Freshman seminar instructors can access this page to get helpful information--including study questions--relating to The Ominivore's Dilemma.

Ballet in the Pasture: Farmer & Activist Joel Salatin Speaks on Oct. 5 Farmer and activist Joel Salatin came to Grant Gym on Oct. 5 to talk about Polyface Farm in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, where he produces "beyond organic" meats from livestock raised using organically responsible methods. Salatin is the author of You Can Farm and Salad Bar Beef. He is featured in this year's freshman seminar book, Omnivore's Dilemma, as well as the film Food, Inc.

2009 Summer Institute Gets Thumbs Up The second annual Webster University Institute for Human Rights, which introduced area high school students to human rights study, was rated highly by participants.