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| Amnesty
International Takes the Stage
by Lainey S. Cronk
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 With
a grand combination of college students, the Patriot Act, and harp
music, PUC’s chapter of Amnesty International (a human rights
advocacy group) hosted the April 13 all-school colloquy program.
The group brought to the platform Lawrence Swam, executive director
of Interfaith Freedom Foundation, Ameena Jandali of Islamic Network
Groups, and a tremendously well-received harp performance by a
chapter officer.
Assistant chapter coordinator Sean Metherell opened the program
with a description of Amnesty International, emphasizing that it
promotes the “impartial protection of human rights.” PUC’s
chapter has been meeting for several years now, and their primary
means of involvement is through writing letters for specific human
rights issues. Currently the group is focusing on Sudan and also
on the Patriot Act.
Swam spoke briefly about Interfaith Freedom Foundation and associated
issues before introducing Jandali, who discussed the Patriot Act
and issues regarding treatment of Muslims—specifically “Islamophobia.” Jandali’s
presentation was clear and articulate, and she spoke not only from
a well-informed, analytic point of view but also from her own personal
experiences.
A question-and-answer session with Jandali was scheduled to follow
the colloquy program, and a panel discussion on the Patriot Act
was set for that evening, with four faculty members comprising
the panel.
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