Liberty University is taking a significant step to fight human trafficking by introducing a training program tailored for its aviation students. This initiative addresses a grave issue affecting millions around the globe.
Human trafficking is a staggering $150 billion industry. It impacts people of different ages, genders, and backgrounds. Victims can be found in any community, making it crucial for everyone to be aware of this issue.
Amber Wilson, the Program Director of Liberty University’s School of Aeronautics, emphasizes that trafficking isn’t just about shipping containers or trucks. “Aviation is highly regulated, but traffickers still exploit airports,” she states. Recognizing signs of trafficking is vital for all aviation staff, from pilots to gate agents, who each play unique roles in identifying potential victims.
The LUSOA Human Trafficking Training Program was developed in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It incorporates the Blue Lightning Initiative, which equips aviation personnel with the skills to spot suspicious activities and report them to authorities.
“We want our students to be proactive in helping victims,” said Steven Brinly, Dean of the School of Aeronautics. The program is embedded in the curriculum, with training included in foundational and capstone courses. Liberty plans to extend this training to all its students, with over 150 already trained in just a week.
Additionally, the issue is urgent. According to the U.S. Department of State, more than 27.6 million individuals are victims of trafficking worldwide. A recent survey by the Polaris Project found that 71% of respondents were unaware of the signs of human trafficking. This highlights the need for programs like Liberty’s, which aim to educate and empower.
As discussions about human trafficking grow on social media, more people are recognizing the signs and the importance of being vigilant. Training future aviation professionals to spot and report trafficking is a crucial step in the fight against this pervasive issue.
For more information on the fight against human trafficking and how to identify potential victims, you can check resources like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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