Civil Liberties and Academic Freedom
Drafted by Anne R. Zahlan, Eastern Illinois University

WHEREAS in the aftermath of the violent attacks of 11 September 2001, there is heightened concern with the safeguarding of United States citizens, property, and values; and

WHEREAS chief among American values are those of freedom of thought and freedom of expression; and

WHEREAS the prosecution of the "War on Terrorism" has involved increased surveillance of not only the actions but also the speech and attitudes of U.S. citizens and residents; and

WHEREAS federal officials have approached scholarly organizations to restrict the availability of information in order to reduce access to knowledge;

WHEREAS safeguarding freedom of thought and freedom of expression is essential to the preservation of the United States as a nation and essential to democratic teaching and learning, the pursuit of knowledge, and the exercise of intellectual and artistic creativity;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that UPI make every effort and take all appropriate steps to represent to all the government officials and to our members, constituents, and allies, the necessity of preserving through legislation and individual and collective vigilance all civil liberties guaranteed by the United States Constitution, as well as guarantee a climate of free expression and free exchange of ideas.

ADOPTED Oct. 19, 2002