UCF’s Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
Welcome to UCF’s
Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
At the Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery, we are committed to deepening the understanding of the escalating global challenge of human trafficking and modern slavery. Our approach encompasses comprehensive community engagement, rigorous research, focused education, and specialized training, as well as offering student fellowships and survivor scholarships. Our goal is not just to study this complex issue but to actively seek and implement solutions.
5731
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STUDENTS EDUCATED
10
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GLOBAL INITIATIVES
30+
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PRESENTATIONS
8
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EVENTS HOSTED
4
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PUBLICATIONS
12
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BOARD MEMBERS
5
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PARTNERS
1
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STUDENT ORGANIZATION
About Us
OUR VISION
We aspire to be the foremost platform for collating and distributing knowledge, research, and fostering community partnerships to effectively counteract human trafficking and modern slavery on a global scale. Our vision extends beyond academic research; it seeks to influence policy, inspire action, and ignite change.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
- Tackling all forms of human trafficking with a holistic approach.
- Prioritizing the dignity and rights of every individual.
- Collaborating with survivors as key partners.
- Working together with various sectors for a unified response.
- Focusing on tangible outcomes and real-world impact.
- Utilizing research and data to guide our actions.
HOW IT STARTED
In 2019, the Rosen Professional Internships Team organized a Human Trafficking workshop at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, facilitated by United Abolitionists, Inc. The workshop was attended by 200 students, and afterward, 30 of them reported having witnessed human trafficking in their workplace. In response, Rosen College introduced human trafficking training to educate future leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Since then, we have expanded our efforts in combating human trafficking by forming strong partnerships with organizations such as United Abolitionists, Inc. and It’s a Penalty. Additionally, we have hosted numerous workshops, including the student-led Human Trafficking Leadership Workshop in October 2023.
The Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery, also known for “HTMS” at the University of Central Florida, was established in 2018. The Center was previously supported by UCF Global Perspectives and International Initiatives (GPII). As of the Fall 2023 semester, the Center has been transitioned to the Rosen College of Hospitality Management and is led by the Executive Director, Dr. Jessica Wickey Byrd. Leading the research arm of the HTMS Center is Dr. Gary Deel.
To learn more about our HTMS team, research, initiatives, and events, explore the sections below.
Please consider supporting the UCF HTMS Center by purchasing a copy of the comprehensive human trafficking textbook “Human Trafficking: A Systemwide Public Safety and Community Approach”. All proceeds go to support the HTMS Center and its anti-trafficking efforts. Save 15% with code HESTUDENT at checkout. You can find the book here.
For more information, you can contact us at HTMSCenter@ucf.edu.
