Star Trek first launched into American homes in September 1966, on "star date 1513.1."

Over the course of five decades, Gene Roddenberry’s science fiction adventure has brought some big ideas about human rights, democracy, race, and culture to generations of fans. Seven different TV series and 13 feature films provide rich ground for informed discussion and exploration of the nature of humanity.  

Next week, Dec. 10 marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Prof. Keith Watenpaugh, who directs the Human Rights Studies program at UC Davis, has spent a fair amount of time thinking about both human rights and Star Trek. He will be hosting the first of event in the Human Rights Lecture Series this evening, "Star Trek/Human Rights: To Boldly Go To Human Rights For All."

Dr. Watenpaugh will be joined by UC Davis’ new chancellor Dr. Gary May at the Crocker Art Museum tonight at 7 p.m. to talk about the intersection of Star Trek and human rights.  

Insight Host Beth Ruyak was given a preview of the lecture last week when Prof. Watenpaugh stopped by the studio with undergrad student Liz MacAllister.