To the Editor:
I want to address two of the questions Matt Lawrence asked in his recent column ("UCS doesn't speak for us on national politics," March 23).
Why is it UCS's job to pass resolutions and what's the point in doing so? Despite Matt's comments, the ACLU's resolution is very pertinent to students. It focuses solely on issues that impact students, such as "sneak and peek" searches, which can be done in dorm rooms, and secretly subpoenaing students' library, school and medical records. UCS insisted on this focus before passing the resolution. Also, UCS officers encounter many situations they can't anticipate at the time of election; when those situations arise, it's our job to tell them how we feel. Supporters of the resolution spoke up, non-supporters had the opportunity to do the same.
The Brown ACLU does not expect the president to overturn the act because UCS passed a resolution. However, assuming that this makes the resolution useless is naive. With this resolution, Brown joins over 56 million people and 21 other universities across the country in condemning the Patriot Act.
The national ACLU says these resolutions are one reason why the Patriot Act II has not yet passed. With important clauses of the Act sun-setting in December 2005, Brown is supporting a movement that becomes increasingly effective as more groups join. A national coalition, including the ACLU, was just recently formed to deal with PATRIOT Act's abuses. This resolution is timely, and makes a difference.
I hope this helps clear up some of the issues.
EllaRose Chary '07Vice President, Brown ACLUMarch 23
