Head of Amnesty International USA to critique war on terrorism Jan. 21

CHAPEL HILL -- William F. Schulz, executive director of Amnesty International USA, will critique President Bush’s war on terrorism at a free public lecture Jan. 21 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Hillard Gold ’39 Lecture will be at 6:30 p.m. in Room 121 of the Hanes Art Center.

Speaking on his new book, "Tainted Legacy: 9-11 and the Ruin of Human Rights," Schulz will question the price of the war and advocate for balancing security and human rights in an age of terrorism.

In the book, Schulz explores the relationship between human rights and terrorism, how he believes disregard for human rights harms the United States and whether torture or other human rights violations are ever justified. He argues that respect for human rights will help win the war on terror.

Before heading Amnesty International USA beginning in March 1994, Schulz, an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, served for 15 years with the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, including eight years as president.

Schulz also wrote "In Our Own Best Interest: How Defending Human Rights Benefits Us All" (Beacon Press, 2002). Thunder’s Mouth Press of New York published "Tainted Legacy" last year.

"We’re very excited about Dr. Schulz’ visit and the chance to interact with him to explore such an important and timely topic," said Patrick Elliot, a sophomore from Charlotte and group coordinator of the UNC Amnesty International group.

The lecture will be followed by a question-and-answer session, a book signing and a reception in Hanes Art Center.

The Hillard Gold ’39 Lecture series was established by Carolina alumni James and Jonathan Gold, of New York, N.Y., and Newtown, Pa., respectively, as a memorial to their father and his commitment to liberal arts education. Schultz’ visit is sponsored by the James M. Johnston Center for Undergraduate Excellence and Student Government at UNC, the Robertson Scholars Program at UNC and Duke University, and chapters of Amnesty International at both schools.

For more information, contact Elliot at 260-5355 or pelliot@email.unc.edu or Ari Kohen of Amnesty International at Duke, 401-4000 or ak19@duke.edu.

- 30 -

Contacts: Patrick Elliot, 260-5355 or pelliot@email.unc.edu; Ari Kohen, 401-4000 or ak19@duke.edu
News Services contact: L.J. Toler, (919) 962-8589