Less than two months after September 11th, federal legislators passed the USA Patriot Act (whose official title is "Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001") in order to shield U.S. citizens from further terrorist attacks. However a closer reading of the Patriot Act has brought to the fore several important questions relating to citizens' rights and freedoms. Can the Patriot Act protect Americans from terrorism without infringing on their constitutional rights? How can a reasonable balance be struck between these two essential concerns?

On Tuesday, February 25, Bard will host a panel discussion about the USA Patriot Act and its ramifications throughout college and university campuses. It is a timely issue of critical importance, and this event will both serve to inform the Bard community as well as encourage community participation in the shaping of Bard's response to its obligations under the Patriot Act.

Participants
The panel features Tracy Mitrano, director of the Computer Policy and Law program at Cornell University, who will present her analysis of the Patriot Act's impact on the academic environment. The panel also features Bard professors Tom Keenan, Greg Moynahan and Daniel Karpowitz and Bard student Vincent Valdmanis who will share their informed perspectives on the issues.

Sponsors
This program is proudly presented by the Bard College Information Resources Council, the Bard Human Rights Program and the Dean of the College.

For more information call 845-758-7332 or e-mail hrp@bard.edu