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Folks,<br>
It is time to step up and support Ward Churchill's cause. He is under
attack for his independent thinking and research, and for speaking truth
to power (see below).<br><br>
You probably know his groundbreaking books about COINTELPRO, the vicious
federal program that used (and probably still uses) illegal surveillance
and murder to disrupt organizations: "The COINTELPRO Papers,"
and "Agents of Repression," (both with Jim Vanderwall). These
books are the bibles on this criminal program. If you haven't, check them
out (or read them again).<br><br>
He has also written many books on indigenous people. In one of them I
learned that Indian children, when they were taken from their parents and
put in boarding schools, children were forced to do was do slave
labor for a big part of each day. No surprise, just like the prison
farms.<br><br>
Spread the word, pass this along, send statements of solidarity, organize
solidarity events, and donate to the defense fund.<br><br>
********************<br>
Ward Churchill Trial Update<br>
Ward & I are very appreciative of all of the support we have received
over the past several years in our battle with the University of
Colorado, and for all of the work that each of you contributes to our
collective struggle. We wanted to keep you updated as we prepare to
go to trial next week.<br><br>
As most of you know, Ward Churchill -- an indigenous scholar and activist
and tenured professor of Ethnic Studies-- came under attack in January
2005 for an article he wrote on 9/11. A media blitz followed in which
Bill O’Reilly and others spearheaded attacks on Ward. Colorado Governor
Bill Owens called for the University to fire him immediately but, because
that would have been blatantly unconstitutional, CU instead launched an
investigation into all of Ward’s writings in an attempt to come up with
some pretext to fire him. In July 2007, the University of Colorado fired
Ward for “academic misconduct.”<br><br>
Ward’s case is emblematic of the attempts to silence dissent that we have
seen all over this country, not just in our universities, but in our
communities as well. Ward is now suing the University. Many
indigenous scholars and activists, as well as critical race theorists
including Prof. Derrick Bell will be testifying.<br><br>
Ward is requesting reinstatement so that CU and other universities will
be deterred from attempts to silence other critical voices. It is
our deepest hope that in standing up to the rightwing forces attempting
to silence Ward we will show them that we will not tolerate such
repression.<br><br>
The trial is scheduled for March 9-27 in Denver state court.
If you are in the area, your presence would be greatly
appreciated:<br><br>
Denver State Court, Courtroom #6, 1437 Bannock
St., Denver, CO 80202<br><br>
Supporters have organized a kick-off event is Monday, March 9, 2009 from
9:30am-5pm, with refreshments across the street from the courthouse in
Civic Center Park. For more info or ride shares, e-mail
<a href="mailto:churchilltrial@gmail.com">churchilltrial@gmail.com</a>
.<br><br>
If you would like more information, or can make a donation to the legal
fund, please visit the Ward Churchill Solidarity Network website at
<a href="http://www.wardchurchill.net/">www.wardchurchill.net</a>.<br><br>
Finally, please keep us in your thoughts and spread the word!<br><br>
In struggle and solidarity,<br><br>
Natsu Saito<br><br>
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