The IUS Civil Liberties Union hosted an open forum to discuss civil liberties, law enforcement and the Obama administration.
With more than 50 attendees, speakers included Greg Belzley, attorney, Todd Bailey, New Albany chief of police, Tyler Wall, visiting assistant professor of criminology and criminal justice, Gil Holmes, executive director of the Indiana American Civil Liberties Union, and Thomas Kotulak, associate professor of political science, as the moderator.
Belzley provided insight into his recent transition from being a lawyer for 25 years to fighting for equal rights for those incarcerated.
“In the U.S. justice has been distributed according to race, not necessity,” Belzley said. “Legal capacity has been crippled, and we cannot provide equal justice.”
Wall discussed surveillance and civil liberties. Wall said although unmanned area vehicles or “drones” are considered a product designed to be used for the military, they are also being used to police immigration.
However, Wall expressed concern about the technical advancements of drones because the danger of potentially violating individual privacy.
“When does this violate legal search and seizure if emerging surveillance technology is allowed and police departments begin to use them?” Wall said.
Bailey focused his time on discussing the changes being made to the New Albany Police Department. He asked himself how the department could become allied with the community.
“I believe in the pillar of community,” Bailey said. “I work for you guys. You don’t even have to live here. If you’re visiting this town, I work for you.”
Bailey said he did not blame Obama for the budget cuts as the reason his police department has had to cut some programs.
“I don’t blame the president for this,” he said. “It just happened under his administration.”
Holmes talked about the freedoms people take for granted in this country.
“It is absolutely crazy what’s going on,” Holms said, “but we’ve always gotten through these times, and we will.”
Alexander Hamilton, political science junior and member of the CLU, said he believes cynicism toward politicians shouldn’t turn people away. “Everybody should want to learn these things, and become more educated on something more than your major, for your own personal gain and well being,” Hamilton said.
By JENNIFER SCHONSCHACK
Staff
jschonsc@ius.edu