Bioterror lecture starts series

Representing a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, IU faculty will gather tonight to explore the causes and consequences of bioterrorism. Director of graduate studies in political science Michael McGinnis, accompanied by biology professor George Hegeman and associate history professor Nick Cullather, will speak at 7 p.m. in Swain Hall West Room 119 as part of a new lecture series sponsored by the Office of the Chancellor.\nWith the number of reported cases of anthrax on the upswing, the threat of biowarfare has emerged as a principal new breed of intimidation. In response to student and faculty concerns, the National Emergency Forum Committee, a directive of Bloomington Chancellor Sharon Brehm, will sponsor a series of panel discussions concerning topics related to the Sept. 11 attacks, said Cyndi Connelley, administrative assistant in the Dean of Faculties Office.\nCo-sponsored by Union Board and the Bloomington Faculty Council, the group aims to provide a "timely" outlet for students to express their concerns and garner faculty support and opinion, Dean of the Faculties Moya Andrews said. Its representation is broad, consisting of student leaders, faculty and administrators.\nThe Committee hopes to be able to react quickly to breaking news events and put together similar panels to "disseminate information" to students in a timely manner, said sophomore Aaron Huffaker, a student representative and assistant director for the Union Board lecture series.\n "It is our goal to use this programming as a tool to bring the campus together in unity," Huffaker said. "The focus is twofold; we want to examine current issues and broad topics and be a source of programming to the entire campus."\n Selected faculty members are basically "on call," said Union Board Lecture Director and Committee member and junior Nick Hillman, so they may respond effectively and quickly should additional threats or attacks surface.\n"Being an organization that is designed to respond to student wants and needs, we found a good way to address such concerns," Hillman said. "It is important to act timely, and that is exactly how this series is structured."\nThe committee is a positive first step in facilitating dialogue between students and administrators concerning the events surrounding Sept. 11, said associate professor of journalism Carol Polsgrove.\nPolsgrove was approached personally by Andrews and asked to serve on the committee. She consented because she said the group presents the opportunity to discuss relevant issues and concerns on campus. \nThe committee has met once thus far to organize the semester's events. While the impetus for the group emerged as a result of the Sept. 11 attacks, Huffaker said he believes the committee's focus may soon expand to cover additional issues as well.\n"My own hope is that these forums will help us all feel more part of a community at this difficult time," Polsgrove said. "I hope, too, that they'll be occasions where we not only learn from others but can share our ideas and thoughts on what's going on."\nHillman said the group's position as an academically-sponsored organization gives its message special precedence. \n"While the television and Internet are the most common media where we learn about the attacks and the potential threats that are still possible, it is more important that students learn about this in an academic environment," Hillman said. "I encourage every student who is interested in discussing these issues to attend at least one part of this year-long series, stop relying on your television and take an active role in your education by becoming part of the debate."\nLaw professor John Scanlan is slated to address issues of civil liberties in another Committee-sponsored panel, scheduled for Nov. 14 in Rawles Hall Room 100. IU Police Department Chief Jim Kennedy will also comment, accompanied by John Irvine, director of Student Legal Services, and Michael McKillip, legislative director of the Indiana Civil Liberties Union.