Seventy-six years ago, representatives from 48 countries gathered at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris to adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), championed by Eleanor Roosevelt.
They declared a simple but powerful truth: every human being is born free and equal.
This December, PVHS students and teachers are bringing that global promise not only into their classrooms, but their daily lives, showing that human rights start with the choices we make every day.
At PVHS, “rights” are not just abstract concepts– they are practiced every day through respect, fairness, and inclusion.
Movement teacher Brittany Ewing attributes her work directly to these values.
“It connects… making sure my dancers are honest with me and each other every single day,” she said. “I give all my dancers equal opportunity to choreograph, and everyone has a chance to shine.”
Ewing emphasizes inclusion in her classes: “If someone doesn’t have a partner, I make sure they’re included. Our differences can bring us together. Everyone gets to learn and express themselves, whether it’s dance or yoga.”
She strives to create an environment where students feel respected, safe, and empowered to express their creativity.
English teacher Caroline Secrist encourages students to reflect on their own actions: “Would you be okay if someone did that to you? If the answer is no, then say something.”
She stresses that classroom discussions about human rights should remain safe and fact-based: “It’s about helping students see things differently and think about how to make things better.”
Secrist explained, “If one group does not have equal rights, nobody is assured of equal rights. If we allow one group to be oppressed… we are basically opening the door to allow other groups to be mistreated. Eventually, it’s going to get to a group that you associate with.”
Both teachers note that PVHS can feel like a “safe little bubble” protected from some of the inequalities in the wider world. But they stress that this is not an excuse for complacency.
“I think a lot of students are in a very safe, wonderful bubble of Palos Verdes and don’t realize that there are groups not too far away from them who are struggling,” Secrist said.
Universal Rights Month is a reminder that human rights, equality, dignity, and fairness matter everywhere, not just inside PVHS walls.
Students also reflected on the importance of equality.
“Equality is really important because divisions based on race, class, or other things can split the world apart. History shows how bad that can be, and even today, inequality still affects people,” freshman Hannah Lee explained.
“Here at PVHS, nobody wants to feel left out or different at school…this month matters because it shows how far the world has come in improving equality.”
Her perspective highlights that human rights start with everyday acts of inclusion and respect.
At PVHS, that legacy continues each time a student speaks up, includes someone new, or listens with empathy.
Universal Human Rights Month is not just a commemoration; it is a reminder that the world we want begins with the actions we take today.