USA: Affiliate supports call for investigation of Pentagon surveillance of private citizens
EI affiliate the American Association of University Professors is demanding an investigation into Pentagon surveillance of private citizens.
The demand follows a report released in November 2005 from the Defence Department's Counterintelligence Field Activity agency listed 1500 "suspicious incidents," including "protests or demonstrations" at eight colleges and universities across the country. Denice Denton, Chancellor of University of California at Santa Cruz (one of the 8 singled out in the report) protested to Department of Defence officials and to members of Congress representing California. She commented that "It is especially disquieting that political dissent would be considered threatening," and added that “We would be abdicating our responsibility as educators if we fail to nurture a learning environment in which all points of view can be expressed and listened to with respect.” The AAUP is committed to engaging with other appropriate government officials to curb illegal intrusions into the practice of the freedoms of speech and association on university campuses.
