To date over two dozen cities have passed resolutions, urging the federal government not to abandon the civil rights of citizens in its fight against terrorism. And Human Rights Watch reports that international support for the fight against terrorism is weakening because of human rights abuses by the U. S. Time to act here in Nassau County.

The “Herricks 19” Case: Racial Profiling in Nassau
NYCLU Nassau is representing 19 Asian Indian students arrested while gathered on the ball field of the Center St. Elementary School in Herrick. Though five or six white or light-skinned students were present, they were let go. Racial profiling before 9/11 usually meant blacks; now it means Mideasterners and South Asians.

Herricks School Supt. John Bierwirth had called the police when notified by a teacher that a group of about 25 students were on the field. Initially the police asked the students to disperse, but when they did not move fast enough, Supt. Bierwirth ordered their arrest. No drugs, no alcohol, no weapons were found, nor were the students fighting or resisting arrest.

Mini-Docket
Enforcing civil liberties without litigation: public meeting space; a jury summons; freedom of the press; mom and baby in jail.

“Faces of Liberty” Tours Nassau Libraries
“Faces of Liberty” is a photo-journal display that puts human faces on complex civil liberties issues by documenting the challenges of ordinary men, women and students who faced unpopularity and adversity to stand up for their beliefs.

Chapter Holds Second Student Rights Conference on the Three R’s
Almost 120 high school students and 17 teachers attended our second “Student Conference on the Three R’s: Rights, Remedies and Responsibilities,” at Hofstra University on October 25th.

In Memory
Edward A. Lawrence
Civil liberties lost a valuable advocate and friend when Ed Lawrence, a Nassau board member for 12 years, died on November 3rd, 2002 while vacationing with his family in Japan. He was 83.

Hempstead Village Keeps Chapter Busy at Hearings on Unlawful Permit Proposals
Twice within five months in 2002 the Village of Hempstead held hearings on proposed ordinances that would severely restrict rights of free speech and public protest.

Legal Docket:
Reassessment Update
While the legal challenge to Nassau County’s discriminatory assessment system was won three years ago, the battle to wrestle the system into shape continues. In December, the Assessment Board and the Court approved the new 2003 tax roll intended to produce a system for 360,000 residential and 60,000 commercial properties that is “equitable, scientific, fair and nondiscriminatory.”

“Death Penalty on Trial”
Public forum on Saturday, March 22, with David Kaczynski, Barry Scheck and Kerri Max Cook who was exonerated after 22 years on death row.