Chilling Restrictions

Xanh Tran

ASA 002 - A01

Response #6: ASNE Memo on the Patriot Act II

Chilling Restrictions

These changes in legislation are alarming for the dozens of reasons stated, but also for the numerous reasons in the academic field that the memo does not go into. On top of discouraging political dissent, the Patriot Act II also discourages any questioning or critiquing of United States’ political activities. This severely limits and threatens first the discourse of the professors in the academic community; and secondly, the power of student organization on college campuses. Both are severely restricted by the fear of incarceration or other unfair law enforcement practices, which intimidate and demoralize students and faculty and deter political critique. Combined with the limitation and monitoring of the media and news outlets, the Patriot Act II eliminates pretty much any method of questioning from their country of their actions.  

Both of these restrictions impact me, as a student. My actions and opportunities to be politically active in demonstrating my support for political movements is limited, and the instruction I receive from my professors in classes is restricted. What I'm interesting in learning more about is what kind of movements were organized in reaction to this Patriot Act II, who they were organized by, and what goals they achieved.