Writing for Human Writes Essay Competition 2007

Castan Centre Congratulates Essay Competition Winners

Click on the links to read the winning students' essays.

Monash University Law School, in conjunction with The Castan Centre for Human Rights Law, would like to congratulate Erin Stewart from Greensborough College, winner of its 2007 Writing for Human Rights Essay Competition.

The competition was open to all Victorian Year 11 and 12 students, who were asked to write on the topic “Freedom of speech has gone too far.” Students were allowed to argue either for or against the statement or elect to examine both sides of the issue.  There was a fantastic response to the competition, highlighting how interested today’s youth are in both human rights and controversial public issues.

In Erin’s insightful essay, she contended that free speech is vital for social progression, increased compassion and the continuation of democracy.  She was presented with her $1,000 prize by Castan Centre Deputy Director, Adam McBeth, during the Monash Law School’s 2007 Great Law Week Debate. 

Place-getters and recipients of special commendation awards were also presented with their prizes.  Second prize and $500 went to Xavier Hildebrand from Xavier College. Xavier suggested that instead of harbouring personal prejudices, opinions should be debated and judged at face value, and that freedom of speech is one of many equally important rights which secure human dignity and integrity. Third prize and $250 went to Michael Dorman from Narre Warren South College.  Michael argued that by permitting extreme views from both sides of the political spectrum a centrist platform is created, which allows good ideas from both sides to be received and concessions made, thus creating a progressive, yet stable society. Certificates of commendation for their outstanding submissions were awarded to Rebecca Kerley of Mill Park Secondary College and Carla Bellomarino of Lowther Hall.

Lowther Hall also received the schools prize for the overall quality of its submissions. Other outstanding schools included Western Port Secondary College, Minaret College and Melbourne High School.

The judging panel was impressed with the entrants’ ability to thoroughly explore both the specifics and generalities of the topic, illustrating their ability to demonstrate the importance of freedom of speech, while understanding the difficulties this human right can impose.

The Castan Centre, in conjunction with the Monash University Law School, would like to thank all of those students and schools who contributed to the great success of the second Writing for Human Rights Essay Competition. We hope that schools will continue to encourage their students to enter this important competition as it expands and we look forward to seeing this year’s entrants further involved in human rights in the years to come.