Monday 8 August 2016

Angelina Jolie won't teach at Georgetown


The 41-year-old actress and human rights campaigner - who is a visiting professor at the London School of Economics - had been reported to be holding similar classes at the Washington establishment, but it has now been confirmed that she is not planning to be there.

A representative for the university said: "Georgetown's Institute for Women, Peace and Security is recognised around the world for its work to advance and promote the role of women in peace and security. We enjoy a partnership with the London School of Economics as part of that work, where Angelina Jolie and William Hague are scheduled to teach a class in the fall. 

"There are no current plans for Ms. Jolie to teach at Georgetown."

However, the establishment have offered an "open invitation" to Angelina and Britain's former foreign secretary, William Hague, to visit the students to "share their experiences and perspectives" whenever they want to.

The statement concluded: "Angelina Jolie and William Hague have an open invitation to share their experiences and perspectives at Georgetown anytime they're able."

At LSE, Angelina will give a series of lectures to students of the new one-year MSc course on women, peace and security, which will run from the beginning of the 2017 academic year. 

Angelina - who helped to launch the course last year with Mr. Hague - said: "I am very encouraged by the creation of this master's programme. I hope other academic institutions will follow this example, as it is vital that we broaden the discussion on how to advance women's rights and end impunity for crimes that disproportionately affect women, such as sexual violence in conflict. I am looking forward to teaching and to learning from the students as well as to sharing my own experiences of working alongside governments and the United Nations." 

According to LSE, the course is intended to "develop strategies to promote gender equality and enhance women's economic, social and political participation and security". 

Visiting professors, including Angelina and Mr. Hague, will give lectures, participate in workshops and undertake their own research.

An LSE spokeswoman said they will teach "as often as their schedules, and their commitment as agreed with the director, will allow".