Crispell eighth-grade English classes with Mrs. Green and Ms. Mossman got to chat with Jeffery Urbin, the education specialist from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, about the history of the Declaration of Human Rights.

Mr. Urbin discussed the history of the document, which was born out of the “four freedoms” FDR wanted to protect globally – freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want and freedom from fear. These four freedoms symbolized our country’s goals as it entered World War II.

Eleanor Roosevelt acted as an advocate for human rights after her husband’s death and continued his legacy of establishing these global freedoms for all citizens. FDR’s four freedoms, paired with Eleanor’s advocacy, became the foundation for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948. 

The eighth graders are focusing on this document for their research paper this year. Having a chat with Mr. Urbin, a national expert right here in the Hudson Valley, was a wonderful opportunity for the students to learn even more about it.