Kristof Discusses Human Rights Issues

Nicholas Kristof, winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, best-selling author and internationally renowned columnist for the New York Times, gave Exonians the opportunity to view the world through the eyes of a journalist this week, sharing heartbreaking and inspiring stories of victims of sex trafficking, those with educational disadvantages and other women he has encountered worldwide.

Through an evening lecture, Assembly talk and class visit, Kristof presented the experiences he has had with women’s rights while researching his book, Half the Sky. Kristof believes these issues are the 21st century’s answer to slavery or totalitarianism, and encouraged Exonians to combat the destructive gender discrimination that is rampant around the globe.

The visit was hosted by The Exonian and was sponsored by the Richard and Joan S. Strickler Exonian Fund.

During his lecture on Monday evening, Kristof spoke about his work writing Half the Sky, an investigative book about the condition of women worldwide. He focused on the power of education in the context of sex slavery, human trafficking and poverty. Kristof also emphasized the positive impact of gap years during his Assembly talk.

Kristof said he was glad to see students at the Academy involved in the student newspaper. "For a high school, it is so important that kids learn how to write—not just write English essays but to be able to communicate, and I think that journalism is one good way to teach that skill, so I think a student newspaper is often a more important element of education than high schools give credit for," he said. "I think putting kids in charge of something is also really important, because it teaches leadership and accountability. So, student newspapers are important educational tools, and Exeter is lucky to have a really good one."

Kristof visited religion teacher Peter Vorkink’s class, Senior Book Club, before the Assembly. Vorkink said he was glad that such an impactful journalist and human-rights proponent spoke at the Academy.

"Here is one of the greatest moral voices of our times speaking about social engagement, speaking about doing something for the less fortunate in this world," Vorkink said. "He gives voice to the voiceless, and brings their problems to the attention of others often not aware of the plight of the less fortunate."

Reflecting on his first visit to the Academy, Kristof said that he was impressed with Exeter as a "model of American secondary school education." He also thought it was important that Exeter "evolved from a bastion of privileged, wealthy kids to being much more representative and international."

In addition, Kristof, describing the effects of his writing as "one of the most rewarding things about journalism," said that there have been several issues to which he was able to get more attention and resources. This made a difference in his articles, including those on human trafficking, maternal health and Darfur. "There are people alive today in Darfur as a result of my reporting, and for that, I’m patting myself on the back," he said.

The Exonian’s faculty co-advisor, Erica Plouffe Lazure, said that The Exonian wanted to provide educational opportunities that demonstrated the power of journalism and writing.

Lazure said Kristof’s lectures sent an important message to students at Exeter. "Mr. Kristof provided a compelling case for cultivating an attitude of generosity: how we might find ways to elevate our level of awareness of helping those in need, and to incorporate that awareness our life's work," she said. "Students here at Exeter are the next generation of leaders, and finding ways to use their knowledge for good purposes is an important part of Mr. Kristof's message."

In addition to his lectures, Kristof also ate dinner with Principal Tom Hassan, Governor Maggie Hassan, several faculty members and Exonian staff members at the Hassans’ house on Monday evening.

According to Vorkink, Kristof spoke about the various modes of journalism. "At the dinner, he encouraged the students to try new forms of journalism and not assume that the old forms, especially newspapers, will exist in the future as such," Vorkink said.

Kristof, also visited Vorkink’s Religion 490 Senior Book Club class, where he discussed world issues and the plight of women and participated in the class’s Harkness discussion about Half the Sky, which the class is currently reading.

Vorkink appreciated Kristof’s insightful participation during the class on Tuesday morning. "He was a very thoughtful and engaging classroom visitor and speaker. He has a good way with students," he said. "Here is a man of immense talent—Harvard graduate, Rhodes Scholar, New York Times columnist—who was able to connect directly to students and their lives; that is a rare gift in today’s world."

Students said they enjoyed Kristof’s talks and admire his work, including his book Half the Sky and his articles for the New York Times. Lower Gaby Meckley, who follows Kristof on Facebook, mentioned that Kristof always posts relevant and interesting articles. "I thought his lecture related a lot to his book, and I liked hearing the questions because they were on a wide range of topics," Meckley said. "I think he really cares about journalism and sheds light on the more obscure, but very prominent, issues."