The American Democracy Project will host a presentation by journalist Roger Newman Wednesday, Sept. 14 to discuss his views on civil liberties and truth as they relate to Sept. 11.

Newman, a journalism professor at Columbia University Graduate School, won the Scribes Book Award for his biography “Hugo Black: A Biography,” which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 1995. PBS also used the book for a history series about the Supreme Court.

Steve Hunt, professor and associate director of the School of Communication, said his presentation is the key event to celebrate Constitution Day during the week of Sept. 17.

“According to Newman, the reaction to 9/11 has equally threatened civil liberties and in ways we do not yet know. He claims that to an unparalleled extent, the government is monitoring and keeping records of our private communications,” Hunt said.

Civil liberties become the second casualty of war after truth, according to Newman. He will also discuss freedom and technology in relation to the Constitution, an ISU media release stated.

The event will be held in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center at 3 p.m. It is open to the public and there will be no entrance fee.

“This is a great way for ISU students to reflect on the impact of the events of 9/11 on our nation. It’s important that we all understand the tensions between security and liberty. This is also part of ISU’s efforts to commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11,” Hunt said.

Along with 10 other universities in the nation, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities chose ISU as a model institution for political engagement in 2006, Hunt said.

This year, ISU won the Program of Excellence Award for Political Engagement from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

“ISU has a very rich tradition of national leadership on educating students for participation as citizens of our democracy,” Hunt said.

To learn more about ISU’s American Democracy Project, visit its website at americandemocracy.illinoisstate.edu.

What: American Democracy Project presentation by Roger Newman
When: Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 3 p.m.
Where: Prairie Room in the Bone Student Center
Cost: Free
Info: Visit the website at americandemocracy.illinoisstate.edu.