An Iranian lawyer and former judge, Dr. Ebadi (pronounced ah-ba-DEE) spoke to over 300 UT students, faculty and visitors Monday night, April 27th. This was the first of four public events in Austin. As she stepped to the podium at the AT&T Conference Center, the crowd stood and clapped loudly. Then, speaking through a translator, she began: “Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to say a few words about democracy.” To her, democracy is the rule of the majority, but within the framework of human rights. Not surprisingly, Dr. Ebadi believes progress must come from within a country and in small steps rather than applied by force from outside. The audience nodded in agreement. more ›