Passionate Advocate

By Jessica Stark

Rice University senior Tyler Dillard has received a prestigious 2008 George J. Mitchell Scholarship that he will use to pursue his master’s degree in human rights at Queen’s University in Belfast, Ireland.

“I am so looking forward to immersing myself in the culture there and soaking up all there is to

learn,” Dillard said. “Belfast has a wonderful history of being proactive in the fight for human rights, which makes it the perfect place for me to study.”

Growing up in the Deep South, Dillard has seen firsthand the effects of racism, intolerance and mistreatment of minorities. When he came out publicly a few years ago, he felt those effects on a whole new level, losing emotional and financial support. His personal experience has led him to become a passionate advocate for all victims of discrimination and intolerance.

“I want to use the talents I have in mobilizing people to speak for those who don’t have a voice,” Dillard said. “I want to help people claim their rights. I’m optimistic that someday everyone will be respected, but I will continue fighting until that is the reality.”

"I want to use the talents I have in mobilizing people to speak for those who don’t have a voice. I want to help people claim their rights."

-Tyler Dillard

A political science major, Dillard serves as the vice president of Lovett College and the vice president for Queers and Allies, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activist group on campus.

“College campuses are filled with opportunities to get involved and be active in the community,” Dillard said. “Rice’s residential college system provides students with so many opportunities for leadership and community service.”

At Rice, Dillard secured a Leadership Rice internship with the United Nations World Food Programme. While there, he drafted key portions of a $1 million grant proposal to the U.S. Agency for International Development and managed a highly detailed, $3.9 million grant proposal to the U.S. Department of Labor.

After earning his master’s, Dillard plans to return to the U.S. to attend law school.