Civil Rights Day 2012

The Center for Civic Engagement at Hofstra University
presents

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

All workshops are held at Leo A. Guthart Cultural Center Theater, Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library, First Floor, Hofstra University. These workshops are free and open to the public.

9:05-11:05 a.m. Protesting and the Police: Know Your Rights
This two-part workshop is presented by Samantha Fredrickson, Nassau County chapter director of the New York Civil Liberties Union.
9:05-10 a.m. Part I: Free Speech, Protests and the Police
Part I of the workshop focuses on the First Amendment rights to freedom of speech, press and assembly. The workshop will teach participants their rights when attending protests on public streets and sidewalks. Ms. Fredrickson will offer practical guidance on legal issues participants may face when trying to arrange a protest, such as the permit process and various town restrictions throughout Nassau County, as well as special issues student journalists face when reporting on protests. This workshop also covers recent examples of clashes between protestors, reporters and police, as well as the appropriate way to speak to police during protests.
10:10-11:05 a.m. Part II: Police, Unlawful Stops and Racial Profiling
Part II of the workshop delves further into the legal issues that arise when communicating with police officers in a variety of settings. The workshop focuses on the Fourth Amendment right to be free from searches and seizures. Participants learn what their rights are when a police officer stops them on the street, in their car, or at their home, and they discuss how to respond to and speak with police officers. Ms. Fredrickson also examines recent controversies, such as incidents of racial profiling and the NYPD’s improper use of “stop-and-frisk” tactics.
11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. (Common Hour) Immigrant Rights as Civil Rights: Shifting the Discussion
Immigration reform is one of the primary issues of the 2012 presidential debates. During this workshop, a panel examines the struggle for immigrants’ rights as a component of a broader campaign for civil rights protection in the United States. Panelists: Monica Díaz, Member, Board of Directors, The Workplace Project Samantha Fredrickson, Attorney and Director of the Nassau County Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union Ted Hesson, Online Editor, Long Island WINS Valeria Treves, Executive Director, New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE) Moderator: Mario A. Murillo, Associate Professor of Radio, Television, Film, and Co-director, Center for Civic Engagement, Hofstra University
12:50-1:45 p.m. Are Gay Rights Civil Rights?: A historical examination of the LGBT community's fight for civil rights in the United States
From the Stonewall riots of 1969 to the present-day struggle for marriage equality, the LGBT community continues to fight for equal rights in the United States. This panel provides a historical perspective on LGBT social movements and discusses the current battles being fought in both the courtroom and public arena. Panelists include: Elizabeth M. Glazer, Associate Professor of Law, Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University and Co-director of the Hofstra LGBT Rights Fellowship Moderator: Etana Jacobi, Intern, Center for Civic Engagement, Hofstra University This workshop is co-sponsored by The Pride Network at Hofstra University.
For more information, contact the Center for Civic Engagement's Co-Directors: Mario Murillo (Email) Greg Maney (Email)