Kansas Conference on Slavery and Human Trafficking: Research Needs, Policy Gaps, Institutional Changes

Abstract

The Institute for Policy & Social Research at the University of Kansas hosted a conference on Slavery and Human Trafficking on January 31-February 1, 2013, in coordination with the Office of the Chancellor, Gov. Sam Brownback, the School of Law, the Office of Graduate Military Programs, and the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department. The conference was designed to determine the state of scholarly research in the field and to identify potential long term educational and research programs. KU is ideally positioned to develop multiple educational and research programs on this issue, given our strengths in immigration, inequality, international studies, peace and conflict studies, and gender studies. This conference was designed to culminate in conversations within KU about what type of research, legal advocacy, and graduate education initiatives are possible with regional partners. The history of Kansas as a free state, the legacy of anti-slavery sentiments in the region, and current efforts to combat human trafficking create a rich foundation for future educational programs.