Universidad Nacional de Rosario Honors Pilar Calveiro with Doctorate Amidst Reflections on Argentina’s Past
The Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR) recently awarded an honorary doctorate to Dr. Pilar Calveiro, a distinguished scholar in Political Science from the Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México. The recognition took place against the backdrop of the 50th anniversary of the last military coup in Argentina, a period of profound societal trauma and state-sponsored violence.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Understanding Power and Violence
Dr. Calveiro’s work has been pivotal in the study of state violence, power dynamics, memory politics and resistance movements in Latin America. The UNR highlighted her “fundamental contribution” to these fields, emphasizing the importance of her research in understanding Argentina’s complex history and ongoing challenges. The distinction was unanimously approved by the University Council and championed by the Area of Human Rights in conjunction with the Faculty of Political Science and International Relations.
Echoes of the Past, Concerns for the Present
The timing of the award is particularly significant. As Argentina marks 50 years since the 1976 coup, the UNR is actively engaged in a series of commemorative activities reaffirming its commitment to truth, justice, and memory. Dr. Calveiro herself acknowledged the weight of the moment, expressing her appreciation for the recognition coming from an Argentine public university, especially during this period of remembrance.
UNR Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights
Rector Franco Bartolacci underscored the political significance of the honorary doctorate, stating that it reflects the UNR’s values and its dedication to upholding human rights. He emphasized that recognizing Dr. Calveiro’s trajectory is a declaration of the institution’s identity and its commitment to addressing the legacy of the dictatorship. Decana Cinita Pinillos, acting as Dr. Calveiro’s sponsor, highlighted the importance of her work for institutions dedicated to human rights and social sciences.
Student Engagement and Artistic Expression
The ceremony included a powerful display of student engagement. Students from the School of Fine Arts created serigraphs with the slogan “Memory, Truth, Justice,” which were prominently displayed. Students in the Communication Social program also presented Dr. Calveiro with artwork inspired by her book, “Power and Disappearance: Concentration Camps in Argentina.”
“Reverberations of the Past” – A Call for Continued Vigilance
In her acceptance speech, titled “Reverberations of the Past,” Dr. Calveiro cautioned that state violence and authoritarianism are not relics of the past. She argued that contemporary forms of neoliberalism and biopolitics continue to perpetuate violence, albeit in different ways. She stressed the importance of solidarity and fighting for a more just society, particularly for the marginalized and excluded.
The Ongoing Struggle for Memory and Justice
The UNR’s recognition of Dr. Calveiro serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing struggle for memory, truth, and justice in Argentina. As the country confronts its past, institutions like the UNR play a crucial role in fostering critical reflection and ensuring that the lessons of history are not forgotten.
Did you know?
The UNR is actively involved in a month-long series of events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1976 coup, including artistic exhibitions, discussions, and academic presentations.
FAQ
- Who is Pilar Calveiro? Dr. Pilar Calveiro is a Doctor in Political Science from the UNAM and a professor-researcher at the Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, known for her work on power, violence, and memory in Latin America.
- Why did the UNR award Dr. Calveiro an honorary doctorate? The UNR recognized her significant contributions to the study of state violence and her commitment to human rights, particularly during the 50th anniversary of the last military coup in Argentina.
- What is the significance of the timing of this award? The award coincides with the 50th anniversary of the 1976 coup, highlighting the UNR’s commitment to remembering the past and fighting for justice.
Explore more about the Universidad Nacional de Rosario’s commitment to human rights here.
