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Bill Of Rights Defense Campaign (BORDC)
Who We Are
The Central New York Bill of Rights Defense Campaign (CNYBORDC) is a grassroots, nonpartisan campaign to restore and defend civil rights and liberties curtailed by federal, state and local government actions since 9/11.
The campaign involves of diverse coalition of individuals and community groups, including civil rights advocates, labor unions, and religious organizations. We give voice to people’s outrage over our government’s demand that fundamental rights be sacrificed in the name of national security.
Through collective action we have challenged policies that expand government surveillance powers, discriminate against Muslims and those of Arab and South Asian descent, and promote government secrecy while suppressing civic dialogue and dissent.
The campaign is dedicated to:
- educating the public, media and government;
- mobilizing people and building coalitions; and
- advocating for local, state and federal legislation.
The coalition members are volunteers and representatives of organizations in the Syracuse area. These members are the campaign's most important component. They help to coordinate local efforts to defend the Bill of Rights. The CNY BORDC also provided key educational and on-site assistance in the formation of the Elmira-Corning BORDC.
Members have helped to coordinate the following events and initiatives:
- Muslim Solidarity Day events to express support to local Muslim, Arab and South Asian communities;
- screenings of the film Road to Guantanamo in Syracuse and Utica;
- lobbying local state and federal legislators;
- letters to the editor writing campaigns; and
- educational outreach initiatives, including the production and distribution of informational flyers.
Through our work, local legislatures in Syracuse, Elmira and Ithaca have passed resolutions opposing numerous provisions of the USA Patriot Act, and other national security measures, that erode fundamental rights and liberties.
Click here to see CNY BORDC's list of educational presentations.