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Show _T_HE_UN_IVE_R_s_1TY_J_o_uRN_AL_·_S_o_u_T_HERN_...:..u_T_AH_U.;....NJVE~-RS-I_TY_·_TH_u_R_s_D_AY_._D_E_CEMB _ _ER_ . _3_ . 1_9_9s_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Faculty Honor Lecture to discuss free speech Two general classifications of lawsuits which may pose a threat co free speech will be explored at a Dec. 3 Distinguished Faculty Honor Lecture at SUU. Peter P. Smith, professor of computer science at SUU, will make his presentation at 11 :30 a.m. in the Randall L. Jones Theatre as the final lectur~ in the university's fall semester Convocations series. His address is titled "Free Speech in America: Some New Threats." Smith contends that lawsuits which, in some circles, are tenned SlAPPs (Strategic lawsuit Against Public Participation) and "veggie libel" laws (agricultural product disparagement statutes) are having a chilling effect on public discussion of certain issues. Toe lecture, Smith explains, is intended to trace the origin of SlAPP lawsuits and anti-disparagement laws and to examine their current status and effects. Their implications for free speech will receive special emphasis, he said. The burden of proof in these cases is reversed from traditional libel cases, according to Smith. lnstea9 of the burden of proof resting with the plaintiff, it sh ifts to the defendant and can dampen, or make risky even essentially cme comment from the general public , he asserts. 1fllffiE (CAJMIIB)11J§ 0 5) "dome!.hiny lo Gett· Get yn pictur makes Senate in giving mood BY RUSSELL A. KENNEDY JOURNAL STAFF WRITER Like the same old stocking full of mixed nuts, it looks as though SUU students wilJ again be getting free·Scantrons and Blue Books as an early Christmas present courtesy of the SUUSA Senate. It took fewer than 15 minutes Tuesday night for senators to unanimously circle and post two separate bills, both considered to pass easily next week. Bill O16-98, sponsored hy Education Sen~SamJohnson, would allocate $300 for the purchase of some 2,500 Scantrons and 400 Blue Books to he handed out to students free of cha.rge during finals week throughout the week. Toe upcoming College of Performing and Visual Arts (PVA) Week was the focus of bill 017-98, sponsored hy PVA senators Kris Fitzgerald, Marlo lhler and Adam Moore. The hill would grant the college $305 co fund various activities for the week, scheduled for Jan. 25 through 29, 1999. Speaking on behalf of the hill, lhler commented on the activities slated for the week saying, "I think we have worked hard to bring both fun-filled as well as informative events. We are really excited abo ut this." The senate will meet for the last time this calendar year next Tuesday in the Student Conference Room, with an open fornm designated for student input beginning at 6:30 p .m. lrriter-ested in helPina inc )nlina students on the tr-ail to success? Expect the Best, find the Best. The Student Development Center is hiring Orientation Leaders for University Orientation in the Summer of 1999. Orientation Leaders will be responsible for working with groL ps of incoming freshmen during new student orientation. Orientatio n Leaders must be hard working, outgoing and will ing to contribute to a team atmosphere. • Orientation Leaders will be required to take a class for credit during spring semester and will work all orientation days during the summer of 1999. . This is a terrific practical experience and a resume building opportunity for anyone interested in a career working with people in a leadership capacity. • ' I, For more information please contact Jeb Branin, University Orientation Coordinator 586-5425 Shar wan Smith Center .. The Man's Diamond. :, ~&&, The Gift He'll Never Forget. Available only at ~ •• ~ '7:.:;;:;.(df4_ l?"'- ea., 5K6-2422 |