FAQs: Supporting a Scholar at Risk at Kent State University
What is Scholars at Risk (SAR)?
Scholars at Risk is a non-governmental organization that works to protect academics, researchers, and scientists whose lives are at risk due to conflict or regime policies. SAR works to “protect scholars facing grave threat to their lives, liberty, and well-being, in part by arranging positions of sanctuary at institutions in our network for those forced to flee.”
How will Kent State University support a scholar at risk?
Scholars who qualify for SAR support are often placed with a host institution for a temporary period (between 3 months and 2 years), where they can continue their work in a safe environment. The International Studies (INTS) program and The Women's Center at Kent State University are fundraising to establish Kent State as a host institution, with the goal of supporting one scholar each year during this transitional stage.
How will a Scholar at Risk contribute to the Kent State University community?
The visiting scholar will teach in the International Studies program, and perhaps contribute to other programs where their expertise is relevant. The International Studies program will collaborate with the Women’s Center to organize programming that will be open to the community. These events will highlight each scholar's expertise and lived experiences while emphasizing the importance of academic freedom for democracy, personal and collective liberty, and scientific endeavors.
What are the fundraising goals?
Our goal is to raise $1 million to establish an endowed fund that will support one scholar annually with a full salary and benefits. Every contribution makes a difference! If you can support our efforts by reaching out to additional individuals, groups, or corporations you believe would support our efforts, please forward this email to them, and feel free to cc: us on the email so we can also follow up (jmazzei@kent.edu). If you can support our efforts with a financial donation, please email jmazzei@kent.edu for the donation link. THANK YOU!
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes!
Will I be able to follow the Scholar at Risk while they are with the KSU community?
Yes, and we hope you will! Donors will be able to follow our updates via the International Studies webpage, at www.kent.edu/international-studies/scholars-risk-speaker-series, as well as attend programming and speaker events.
How else can I be involved?
The Women’s Center, the International Studies program, and its academic home, the School of Multidisciplinary Social Sciences and Humanities, have welcomed three “alumni” Scholars at Risk to speak at Kent State University and regional events. During the 2023-2024 academic year, the series featured Farai Gonzo, originally from Zimbabwe, who spoke virtually on October 25, 2023; Shuchi Karim, originally from Bangladesh, who spoke on November 8, 2023; and additional programming highlighting the experiences of scholars who have rebuilt their academic careers after receiving support through the Scholars at Risk network.
These events were open to the public and demonstrated the impact of protecting academic freedom around the world. We encourage you to watch for future Scholars at Risk events and join us in supporting this important initiative.