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Professor Zachary D. Kaufman, J.D., Ph.D. '96 has been honored with the 2024 Human Rights Champion Award. This prestigious recognition, presented by the Million Lives Genocide Relief Fund and the Genocide Survivors Foundation, celebrates Professor Kaufman’s unwavering commitment to human rights and his dedicated support for survivors of genocide and other mass atrocities.

Professor Kaufman’s remarkable career is a testament to his deep dedication to justice and human rights. Currently a Professor of Law at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, he has made significant contributions to the fields of Criminal Law, International Law, National Security Law, and Transitional Justice. His academic journey includes teaching at several esteemed institutions, including Stanford Law School, Yale University, and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Beyond his academic achievements, Professor Kaufman has served in all three branches of the U.S. government and worked with international war crimes tribunals, including the International Criminal Court, where he was the first American to serve. His work has been influential in shaping U.S. legislation, such as the Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act and the Syrian War Crimes Accountability Act.

In addition to his scholarly and governmental contributions, Professor Kaufman is deeply involved in non-profit organizations and social enterprises, including his work in founding the American Friends of the Kigali Public Library in Rwanda.

His dedication to both academia and humanitarian efforts exemplifies the values of Shady Side, and we are honored to celebrate his continued impact on the world stage.