Spring Break
Challenge and Clarity
ACLU president invites UConn students to ask questions, get involved
Liz Ruocco
Issue date: 2/6/09 Section: Focus
Nadine Strossen, president of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) since 1991 and professor of law at New York Law School, discussed free speech, religion and all the freedoms we as Americans should enjoy at the Student Union last night.
Prior to her speech at 5 p.m. she attended a luncheon and spoke with a small group of UConn students. There was a round table setup, which allowed all the students to see and hear each other as well as Strossen. She started by talking briefly about herself, then each student introduced themselves and asked her questions that were of concern to them. She listened to the students as she wrote down all of their questions and proceeded to answer every one.
"I really appreciate her concern in appealing to all the students; she was genuinely concerned and spoke to the issues," said Amanda Ploch, an 8th-semester political science and human rights major.
Strossen is a strong advocate of free speech and encouraged the students to challenge opinions, stressing that what appeals to the middle of the road is not always the best way to exercise free speech.
Strossen, of all people, would know how to get along with those who have different opinions. Having served as president of the ACLU, a non partisan group, she admits it is difficult to work with those who have different opinions. She is, however, a person who willing to accept the good faith in people, and believes the people she works with are looking to advance the interests of the public.
"I thought it was a very good presentation and I found that she wasn't partisan while she was talking," said Kaitlyn Schlegel, an 8th-semester sociology major. "I think that neutrality and clear mindset are really important."
At the presentation itself, Strossen's first words were that she wanted to make her presentation more of a discussion, and she apologized for standing behind a podium. She then went on to discuss the transition from the Bush administration to the Obama administration, and the consequent effects on LBGT laws, censorship and freedom of speech.
"I thought she did a good job at getting the ideas of ACLU across to the UConn population and inspiring us as students to pursue positive change," said Emily Santacroce, a 2nd-semester athletic training major.
Strossen also focused on civil rights, and the use of torture, which she believes to be wrong.
"I think she brought to light many civil liberty issues that we as a nation are currently facing," said Angela Lorusso, a 2nd-semester communication disorders major. "She really demonstrated that we need to keep raising our voices in protest because we have the ability to make a significant impact."
Prior to her speech at 5 p.m. she attended a luncheon and spoke with a small group of UConn students. There was a round table setup, which allowed all the students to see and hear each other as well as Strossen. She started by talking briefly about herself, then each student introduced themselves and asked her questions that were of concern to them. She listened to the students as she wrote down all of their questions and proceeded to answer every one.
"I really appreciate her concern in appealing to all the students; she was genuinely concerned and spoke to the issues," said Amanda Ploch, an 8th-semester political science and human rights major.
Strossen is a strong advocate of free speech and encouraged the students to challenge opinions, stressing that what appeals to the middle of the road is not always the best way to exercise free speech.
Strossen, of all people, would know how to get along with those who have different opinions. Having served as president of the ACLU, a non partisan group, she admits it is difficult to work with those who have different opinions. She is, however, a person who willing to accept the good faith in people, and believes the people she works with are looking to advance the interests of the public.
"I thought it was a very good presentation and I found that she wasn't partisan while she was talking," said Kaitlyn Schlegel, an 8th-semester sociology major. "I think that neutrality and clear mindset are really important."
At the presentation itself, Strossen's first words were that she wanted to make her presentation more of a discussion, and she apologized for standing behind a podium. She then went on to discuss the transition from the Bush administration to the Obama administration, and the consequent effects on LBGT laws, censorship and freedom of speech.
"I thought she did a good job at getting the ideas of ACLU across to the UConn population and inspiring us as students to pursue positive change," said Emily Santacroce, a 2nd-semester athletic training major.
Strossen also focused on civil rights, and the use of torture, which she believes to be wrong.
"I think she brought to light many civil liberty issues that we as a nation are currently facing," said Angela Lorusso, a 2nd-semester communication disorders major. "She really demonstrated that we need to keep raising our voices in protest because we have the ability to make a significant impact."
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