News

  • New research challenges a common assumption: atrocities do not happen only in autocracies - New research challenges a common assumption: atrocities do not happen only in autocracies. This database tracks 40 years of government-linked abuses and argues that democracies can cross that line too. Read the article here.
  • Honoring the Outstanding Life of Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr. - Honoring the Outstanding Life of Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr.(July 29, 1940 – March 5, 2026) We honor the exemplary and inspirational life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr., fondly known as Doc. He was the first director of the University of Rhode Island’s Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies from 1999 to 2009, […]
  • 2026 Human Rights Award - The URI Center for Nonviolence and Peace congratulates Dr. Sean Rogers, the Dean of URI College of Business, and Jean D. Nsabumuremyi, the Director of the URI Multicultural Student Services Center, for winning the 2026 Human Rights Award. Dr. Sean Edmund Rogers is the Dean of the URI College of Business and the Alfred J. Verrecchia-Hasbro […]
  • The MLK Peacemaker Award - The URI Chaplains Association and the Center for Nonviolence and Peace congratulate Dr. Christopher Hunter from the College of Engineering and Leetal Young, a graduate student in the College of Health Sciences, for winning the 2026 MLK Peacemaker Award. Dr. Christopher D. Hunter is an award-winning STEM educator with over 25 years of experience in academia, […]
  • Language and Peace - Join us for two special events featuring Tibetan scholar Ngwang Tenpa, exploring the connection between classical literature, culture, and social peace. His talks will offer insight into mindful communication, nonviolent language, and the role of tradition in shaping a peaceful society. Both events are free and open to the public.
  • Kyle Samms on Dr. Lobsang Sangay’s “Tibet, Nonviolence, and International Human Rights Law (IHRL)” - Kyle SammsMA Student in International Relations My class, Nonviolence and Peace Theory and Research, had the tremendous privilege of being visited by a guest speaker, one very distinguished Dr. Lobsang Sangay. Dr. Sangay is a renown figure in the field of international human rights law, a Senior Visiting Fellow at the East Asian Legal Studies […]
  • Be Love: Truth, Power, and the People - Join The King Center for a free Nonviolence365 virtual public training that blends the Six Principles and Six Steps of Nonviolence with practical strategies for leadership, civic engagement, and community accountability Featuring Bonita Hampton Smith and Vonnetta L. West from The King Center. Thursday, November 20, 202511:30 AM ESTFree to attend with registration. Learn more […]
  • Guest Lecture with Dr. Lindsey Pruett - Guest speaker Dr. Lindsey Pruett, Assistant Professor in the Government Department at Hamilton College, NY, (middle) with Political Science professors and URI Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies Director Dr. Skip Mark (right), and Associate Director Dr. Roya Izadi (left) at URI Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies.
  • Sadae Naidoo on Perry Garfinkel’s Visit to URI - Sadae Naidoo, an MA Student in Political Science, writes about Perry Garfinkel’s powerful lecture on living Gandhi’s values and the challenges of applying them in today’s fast-paced world. A talk by Perry GarfinkelOn Wednesday, October 22, 2025, our lecture room filled with students and faculty for a talk by Perry Garfinkel. He is a veteran […]
  • Tibet, Nonviolence, and the International Human Rights Law - Join us for an inspiring lecture with Dr. Lobsang Sangay, former President of the Central Tibetan Administration and Senior Visiting Fellow at Harvard Law School. Dr. Sangay will share insights from his years of leadership and dialogue across cultures, exploring the path toward peace, human rights, and a compassionate global community. Free and open to […]
  • Preferences on Military Involvement in Economic Development - The SFRS Lab at the Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies invites you to a presentation by Dr. Lindsey Pruett titled Public Opinion and Senegal’s Armée-Nation: Preferences on Military Involvement in Economic Development. The event will take place on Monday, November 10th, 2025 at 2 PM in the Multicultural Student Services Center, Room 203.
  • Interfaith Friendsgiving Potluck - Join us for an Interfaith Friendsgiving Potluck at Kingston Congregational Church on Thursday, November 13, from 5:30 to 7 PM. Enjoy an evening of food, community, and live music with students from different campus organizations. All are welcome – you may attend with or without contributing to the potluck.
  • A Tribute to Dr. Arthur B. Stein (Art) - August 25, 1937 – October 24, 2025 Dr. Arthur Benjamin Stein (Art), a cherished father, husband, brother, friend, and mentor, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 24, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family. He served as a Professor Emeritus in the Political Science Department at the University of Rhode Island. He was a founding member […]
  • How to Gandhi in 6 (Somewhat) Easy Steps - Join us for an evening with Perry Garfinkel, New York Times contributor and bestselling author of Becoming Gandhi. Garfinkel shares lessons from his global and inner journey to live Gandhi’s principles of truth and nonviolence.Where: Quinn Hall 214, University of Rhode IslandWhen: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 5:00–6:30 PMFree and open to the public. Hope […]
  • Reflecting on 25 Years of the WPS Agenda: Lessons Learned from Gender Research and UN Peace Operations - The International Peace Institute (IPI), in partnership with the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, the Stimson Center, RESDAL, and the Gender and Security Sector Lab, invites you to a public policy forum marking the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. We are proud to share that Roya Izadi, Associate Director of […]
  • A Special Lecture with H.Em. Sangbhum Rinpoche Thupten Tsultrem - During the 26th Annual International Nonviolence Summer Institute, His Eminence Sangbhum Thupten Tsultrem Rinpoche delivered a special lecture titled “Developing and Sustaining Inner Peace for Nonviolence Leaders.” Rinpoche, a renowned Tibetan Buddhist scholar and practitioner, shared insights on cultivating mindfulness, compassion, and spiritual grounding as essential qualities for those leading movements in nonviolence and peacebuilding.
  • 26th Annual International Nonviolence Summer Institute - The Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies held its 26th Annual International Nonviolence Summer Institute from July 14–25, 2025. Participants from around the world gathered to study and practice Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of nonviolence through Level I and II certification trainings, leadership development, and reconciliation workshops led by distinguished trainers and peace […]
  • International Day of Peace - The Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies celebrated International Day of Peace on September 22, 2025, at the URI Quad. The event brought together students, faculty, and community members for a day of reflection, music, and dialogue promoting nonviolence, compassion, and a global culture of peace. Co-sponsored by the College of Arts & Sciences, URI […]
  • Good is Powerful Beyond Measure - The Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies hosted Rev. Melony McGant, storyteller, poet, and author of Good is Powerful Beyond Measure: An Anthology of Hope. Rev. McGant shared her reflections on how embracing goodness and compassion fosters peace and community, followed by a discussion and book signing.
  • Emotions, Mindfulness and Inner Peace – Reflections by Deirdre Morrison - Emotions, Mindfulness and Inner Peace  Reflections by Deirdre Morrison Here are some reflections on an enlightening evening we spent together in discussion of ‘Emotions, Mindfulness, and Inner Peace’ during a guest lecture, which was sponsored by the URI Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies, at the University of Rhode Island. Geshe Lobsang Dhakpa, a respected scholar […]