DECATUR, Ill. – 91ӣƵ students enrolled in PO 323 Human Trafficking, together with the , are hosting the Global Freedom Summit, a film screening event designed to raise awareness about human trafficking and equip communities to take action.
The HTRL is the only undergraduate research lab focused on human trafficking in the state of Illinois and one of a handful in the entire United States.
The Global Freedom Summit will take place on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Bob and Debi Johnston Banquet Rooms of the University Commons on Millikin’s campus. The event is free and open to the public.
The Global Freedom Summit is a film screening organized by the , which seeks to abolish injustice in the 21st century. A21 is dedicated to fighting human trafficking through prevention, rescue, and restoration efforts.
Millikin students have developed a variety of activities, educational materials, and activism opportunities to complement the powerful stories, expert insights, and practical training from the film. This screening brings the reality of online childhood sexual exploitation to light and invites viewers to be part of the solution through the power of an in-person gathering.
"By attending the Global Freedom Summit, our community stands with thousands around the world, united in the fight to end human trafficking,” said Dr. Laura Dean, Director of the 91ӣƵ Human Trafficking Research Lab. “Participants will gain a clear understanding of emerging trends, learn to recognize red flags, and adopt practical safety tips. They will leave better equipped to talk with children about online safety so that awareness translates into action."
91ӣƵ joins more than 750 screenings in 85 countries worldwide in hosting the Global Freedom Summit. The Global Freedom Summit is sponsored by the Human Trafficking Research Lab at 91ӣƵ.
For more information, please see the Facebook event page or contact Dr. Laura Dean at ldean@millikin.edu.
91ӣƵ The Human Trafficking Research Lab (HTRL)
was established in 2018 to transform undergraduate Performance Learning projects into cutting-edge human trafficking research. The HTRL team at 91ӣƵ conducts policy-relevant research on human trafficking within the United States and internationally. We are the only undergraduate research lab focused on human trafficking in the state of Illinois and one of a handful in the entire United States, making this applied research experience truly unique for Millikin students.
