Moral Courage Project : University of Dayton, Ohio

Human Rights Storytelling

This project aims to tell the stories of "upstanders" (those who refuse to be bystanders) to identify and celebrate individuals who take risks to make important contributions to their communities during moments of crisis. In all communities, there are individuals who stand up on behalf of others in danger regardless of the risk. These people embody moral courage yet are often left out of history.

This project trains students to take testimony and engage in human rights storytelling. These skills coupled with the opportunity to conduct fieldwork provide students with valuable and transformative experiences.

Working with partners enables support to organizations on the front lines. The Moral Courage project develops multi-platform, multi-media products that utilize audio recordings, photography, music and writing to bring stories to life.

Our Projects

UnHousing: Claiming the Human Right to Home

During the summer of 2022, the Moral Courage Team focused on the right to housing in Oakland, California.

Listen to the Recording on Soundcloud

Poison & Power

During the summer of 2020, the Moral Courage Team focused on the right to access clean water in multiple locations, including Flint and Detroit, Michigan, and Appalachia. A high school curriculum is available to facilitate discussion.

Visit Poison & Power

America the Borderland

2018: El Paso, Texas Moral Courage project students traveled to El Paso, Texas to interview and photograph human rights advocates, community leaders and faith leaders about their commitment to immigration rights work at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Visit America the Borderland

Ferguson Voices

The people of Ferguson have a story to tell – and one that the majority of those in the United States have not heard or fully understood. The 12 stories captured in Ferguson Voices are a testament not only to the systemic discrimination that the Ferguson protests laid bare, but also to the power of transformative action taken to foster community, accountability and justice.

Visit Ferguson Voices

Moral Courage Project students document Atlanta ‘Stop Cop City’ protests

The Moral Courage Project takes UD students into the field to document communities during times of crisis.

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