Since 1984, First Monday has profiled some of the most relevant social justice issues or our time -- the death penalty, housing and homelessness, immigration, and gun violence. This year, the search for an issue was driven by the events of September 11th and the days following that terrible tragedy.

Since September 11th, the government has taken actions-in the name of security-that threaten to erode our basic Constitutional rights and civil liberties. Although making the United States secure from terrorism is, of course, a legitimate and important objective, the price of security should not mean the dismantling of rule of law. As Ben Franklin said, "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

The government should not be allowed to take advantage of its current popular support (for the "war on terrorism" and "homeland security") to institute laws and regulations that have the potential to erode our essential civil liberties. For the majority of Americans, the impact of these changes on civil liberties has been widely misunderstood and ignored. In light of these measures and their potential impact on our lives for years to come, the Alliance for Justice has chosen to focus on Civil Liberties In A New America for First Monday 2002.

"There is no time more critical to protect our civil liberties nor is there a better audience to advocate for this message than students," said Laura W. Murphy, director of the ACLU Washington, DC office.

First Monday 2002: Civil Liberties In A New America will explore the current state of civil liberties since September 11th including such issues as free speech, privacy, and racial profiling. One of the most troubling aspects of post-September 11th life is that hundreds of men and women are being detained on the suspicion of involvement in the attacks. Many of these detainees are being held without legal representation or a hearing. First Monday 2002 seeks to expose this continuing problem and to educate students and citizens on the importance of protecting their civil liberties.

As always, First Monday will produce a documentary film as the cornerstone of the October 7th events on campuses and communities around the country. In addition to the film we will launch a massive public education campaign entitled "Know Your Rights."

First Monday will be organizing hundreds of events focusing on civil liberties on college campuses, law and graduate schools and communities nationwide. For more information and to get involved, visit www.firstmonday2002.com.