Human Rights

Resolution in Support of Human Rights Sonoma State University Faculty Senate Approved September 27, 2001

Whereas: On September 11, the United States suffered a horrendous terrorist attack taking the lives of over 6500 innocent victims.

Whereas: This terrorist act was a blatant violation of Article 3of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights where by "Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person."

Whereas: The United States is a signatory to the Declaration of Human Rights and by law is obligated to respect its provisions.

Whereas: Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides that "Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations of any criminal charge against him."

Whereas: Terrorists act from perceived injustices, and desire an overreaction from the powerful that results in expanded hatred from whole populations.

Whereas: Elements in the United States are threatening retaliation on whole countries and desiring to change U.S law to allow contracted killings without trial.

Whereas: Groups and individuals in the United States have harassed and killed U.S citizens and residents because of perceived ethnic or religious origins.

Resolve: That the Academic Senate of Sonoma State University reaffirms support for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution.

Resolve: That all individuals in the United States respect the right of individuals to be free from verbal and physical attacks because of their ethnic or religious origins.

Resolve: That acts and procedures of the United States government in the process of seeking justice for terrorist acts follow the principles and intent of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United States Constitution.

Peter Phillips Ph.D.
Sociology Department/Project Censored
Sonoma State University
1801 East Cotati Ave.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928

They that can give up essential Liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither Liberty nor safety.
- Benjamin Franklin, Review of Pennsylvania