The Department of Early Childhood Education and Care of University of West Attica conferred the title of Professor Honoris Causa on American of Palestinian origin Professor in Educational Leadership of Texas State University, Khalid Arar.
UNIWA’s Rector, Professor Panagiotis E. Kaldis, welcoming Professor Khalid Arar to Uniwa academic commity, underscored that beyond the scientific value of Khalid Arar’s bibliography and teaching work, it is a great honour for the University to include him, as his work is a great international symbol of inclusion, of promoting human rights, tolerance, diversity, equal opportunities to education and progress and mostly of human dignity.
The UNIWA Department of Early Childhood Education and Care Decision of Conferment of the title Professor Honoris Causa, was read by the Department’s President, Konstantinos Petrogiannis, where his work, distinctions and awards are cited (including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Scholarly/Creative Activity, by the College of Education At Texas State and that recently he was invited to edit the Leadership and Policy in Schools Journal). Professor Petrogiannis underlined that the laureate has become the world’s voice for refugees and newcomers in matters of social justice education, stating that his engagement in the Department will boost its extroversion internationally.
The specific characteristics of the academic and research work of Professor Khalid Arar, were presented by the ceremony’s keynote speaker, Vice-President of UNIWA Department of Early Childhood Education and Care, Professor Anna Saiti, who is co-author with Professor Khalid Arar of the awarded book entitled “Higher Education in the Era of Migration, Displacement and Internationalization” remarked that “The wonderful character of Dr. Arar comes out in all of his research since the way he approaches the issues of social equality and justice in education is with special sensitivity and great respect for human value …He is an academic teacher of exceptionally high quality and an exceptional citizen with very sensitive interests for society, with a willingness to serve, to offer his knowledge and experience unselfishly for the promotion of the two crucial values for the development of any society: equity and social justice.”
During his speech, Professor Khalid Arar expressed his deep emotion for this distinction stating that this indirectly shows UNIWA’s commitment to equity, diversity, human rights and dignity. Regarding his rich bibliography, the laureate explained that it is the result of team work, mentioning that at the time of speaking he is engaged in collaborations with scientists from 8 different nations. Focusing on the power of education that can induce positive changes and trasform society, Professor Khalid Arar reiterated his dedication to dismantling hegemonic discourse and advancing education and social justice.
(Photos: Εftichia Perivolari)
