Resolution Three: Civil Liberties
Whereas,
It is appropriate for AEJMC to voice its concerns for reasons that include:
- The USA PATRIOT Act was passed in haste in the fall of 2001 and signed by President Bush, within six weeks of the Sept. 11 tragedy. The checks and balance system failed the American public as the repressive nature of the Act was not fully recognized.
Whereas,
- Conventional wisdom and empirical scholarship attest to how civil liberties are put at risk during times of national crisis and war, and our national leaders have declared a war against terrorism in which thousands of persons have died.
Whereas,
- Appreciation and protection of First Amendment freedoms, including the freedom of expression, are inherent in the teaching and practice of journalism and mass communications. Leaders of the AEJMC have characterized First Amendment education as one of our most significant roles in higher education.
Whereas,
- The USA PATRIOT Act remains a controversy as government leaders seek to broaden their police powers on the one hand, and others seek to redress what they see as the Act’s threats to civil liberties, including those addressed by previous AEJMC resolutions.
Be it resolved that AEJMC
- Continue to monitor the impact of the USA PATRIOT Act on academic freedom and support measures designed to protect scholarly inquiry and free expression threatened by the Act.
Be it resolved that AEJMC and its members
- Oppose unwarranted broadening of police powers of the state under the Act and encourage legislative bodies to subject such proposals to far more debate and scrutiny than has been the case heretofore.
Be it resolved that AEJMC
- Support “Restore FOIA Act” legislation.
Be it resolved that AEJMC
- Explore joining a newly formed national coalition of organizations (see next page).
Be it resolved that AEJMC
- Recognize and respond in helpful ways to the impacts of the USA PATRIOT Act upon the academic careers and studies of our international colleagues and students.