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Keith Foster came to Hamilton with an interest in physics and philosophy. After taking a few sociology courses, he developed a passion for human rights. Now, just two years later, he'll have the opportunity to take his ideas to the top as a participant at this fall's United Nations World Conference against Racism, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance to be held in Durban, South Africa.

Keith's involvement began when Professor Kris Paap invited him to participate in an independent study. To understand firsthand issues of racism, he joined the Global Voices Listening Projects, an international grassroots effort to capture attitudes and perceptions of racism.

For his part, Keith interviewed dozens of students at Hamilton, as well as people of various ethnic backgrounds living in nearby Utica. Their responses to questions about racism were recorded and transcribed, joining hundreds of others from people across the country. Results of the combined effort will be reported at the UN World Conference.

"The project gives people an opportunity to empower themselves and their communities," Keith said. "The same words they tell us will be taken straight up the ladder to the United Nations and be heard."

In preparation for the UN conference, Keith joined fellow student Meghan Mullaney and Professor Paap at the Americas Regional Preparatory Committee meeting in Santiago, Chile, this winter. Keith and Meghan participated in a caucus preparing the discussion points on youth issues.

"What struck me most were the diverse backgrounds of the people who attended," Keith recalled. "Indigenous peoples of Chile spoke of the pillage in their communities and even wore around their necks photos of family members who were killed."

On the whole, Keith found the policy debates challenging and frequently frustrating, but a vital part of the process of creating and modifying international policies that preserve human rights.

"I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity," Keith said. "Hamilton is a unique institution. Students have the chance to leave their mark on Hamilton, while Hamilton makes a positive, lifetime impression on them."

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