A Historic Gift: Windsor Law Receives $1.2 Million for Canada’s First Chair in Palestinian Human Rights Studies

In December 2024, the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law announced a transformative gift: $1.2 million from the Windsor Islamic Association, made through the Muslim Medical Association of Canada’s Windsor chapter. 

This endowment will establish Canada’s first Chair in Palestinian Human Rights Studies — a landmark in higher education and social justice.

The new Chair will place Windsor Law at the forefront of global human rights scholarship, deepening its commitment to advocacy, public service, and community-engaged learning. 

It is the first position of its kind in Canada, ensuring that issues of Palestinian human rights are studied, taught, and advanced in a rigorous academic setting.

Reflecting on the significance of the gift, Dr. Osman Tarabain of the Windsor Islamic Association remarked: “This gift demonstrates our commitment to supporting academic excellence and advancing the university’s mission in the areas of social justice and community building.”

Dean Reem Bahdi of Windsor Law expressed deep gratitude for the support, connecting the law school’s mandate with broader societal needs: “We are deeply grateful for this gift, which helps the faculty advance its justice-seeking mission.”

She highlighted the natural connection between medical and legal professionals, both of whom serve the public good by working across fields of harm prevention, advocacy, and equity.

This historic investment carries a profound impact.

The Chair will provide a platform for research, teaching, and advocacy on Palestinian human rights. 

Students will gain opportunities to study pressing global issues through a justice-focused lens.

The gift represents how local communities and universities can collaborate to make lasting contributions to Canadian academic life.

With this endowment, Windsor Law is not only expanding its academic offerings but also taking a stand: that legal education must serve justice in tangible, courageous ways. 

The Chair in Palestinian Human Rights Studies will nurture the next generation of lawyers and advocates, ensuring that Windsor remains a national leader in social justice education.

Source: University of Windsor [ https://www.uwindsor.ca/dailynews/2024-12-06/1-million-gifted-law-school]