By Our Correspondent | Smart News Liberia
PENN STATE, PENNSYLVANIA – Liberian social advocate Grace Guar has been recognized by the Penn State School of Labor and Employment Relations (LER) with the 2026 Amy Dietz Student Advocacy Award for her commitment to equality, social justice, and community advocacy.
The recognition, announced ahead of a special reception scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, highlights Guar’s growing influence as a voice on human rights and social issues affecting vulnerable communities both in Liberia and the United States.
According to a congratulatory letter issued by the Penn State LER School, Guar was selected because of her “passion and advocacy for equality,” as well as her humanitarian initiatives aimed at supporting disadvantaged populations.
The institution specifically praised her work as founder of the Legacy Holding Foundation and her recently launched childhood hunger initiative, “Nourish to Flourish,” describing her efforts as inspirational.
“As a result, we would like to present you with a scholarship award of US$500,” the letter stated, while also inviting her to a student reception in her honor at the J. Orvis Keller Building at University Park.
The university further indicated plans to publicize Guar’s story within both the LER School and the broader university community, requesting her biography and photo for promotional purposes.
Beyond her academic and humanitarian work, Guar has increasingly gained attention for her outspoken advocacy on human rights and social justice issues, particularly involving women and children.
In recent months, she publicly demanded justice in a controversial case involving the alleged sodomy of a 15-year-old boy by a senior agent of the National Security Agency in Liberia.
Commenting on the matter, Guar stressed that the court must prioritize justice for the victim while ensuring that legal proceedings remain transparent and free from political interference.
“The pain and suffering of victims should never be overshadowed by the desire to protect alleged perpetrators, particularly those in positions of power,” Guar declared in her statement at the time.
She also criticized what she described as a disturbing pattern in Liberia, where individuals accused of serious crimes, including sexual assault and domestic violence, allegedly evade accountability due to their positions of influence.
Guar further called on the Liberian government and justice authorities to strengthen protections for victims, ensure independent oversight in sensitive cases, and improve transparency within the legal system.
Among her recommendations were counseling and legal support for victims, enhanced training for investigators handling sexual violence cases, and legislative reforms to strengthen laws on sexual and gender-based violence.
Her strong public stance on accountability and justice has earned both praise and criticism, but supporters say her willingness to speak openly on difficult national issues reflects a broader commitment to defending the rights of vulnerable people.
The latest recognition from Penn State adds to Guar’s growing profile as an advocate who continues to blend academic achievement with activism, while maintaining a visible voice on governance, equality, and social justice concerns affecting Liberians at home and abroad.
