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USA Patriot Act. Presented by: Kisha Thompson. Objectives. potential threats potential vulnerabilities potential legal exposure. To determine how the USA Patriot Act affects to the university in respect to:. What is the USA Patriot Act?.
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USA Patriot Act Presented by: Kisha Thompson
Objectives • potential threats • potential vulnerabilities • potential legal exposure To determine how the USA Patriot Act affects to the university in respect to:
What is the USA Patriot Act? “ An act to deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the world, to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools, and for other purposes.” - 107th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 3162 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES October 24, 2001
USA Patriot Act & Academia • Expansion of biological weapons statute (Sec. 817) • Enhanced surveillance procedures (Title II) • Disclosure of educational records (Sec. 507)
Section 817 Impacts college and university research. The Patriot act addresses the criminal possession of biological weapons not justified by legitimate research or non-threatening purpose. Additionally, it prohibits possession by “restricted persons” as outline by the Act.
Title II Contains various provisions providing for additional law-enforcement surveillance authority with regard to the Internet and electronic communications.
Section 507 Modifies the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and authorizes federal officials to obtain a court order for release of student records by educational institutions to aid in investigations of terrorist activity.
Potential Threats & Vulnerabilities • Unauthorized/restricted personnel handling biological agents • Individuals/groups using the universities public electronic communication mediums for terrorism type activity • Specific groups feeling singled out, difficult to gain exposure to immigrant or foreign-born scholars (an impact on research) • Having to defend the free speech of university faculty
USA Patriot Act II? • Presently, there may be a Patriot Act II in the making that would create even more restrictions. Some argue that the Patriot Act is a breach of 4th Amendment rights and privacy issues as related to educational records.
References • http://www.hms.harvard.edu/orsp/coms/BSRs/BT/COGR_Patriot_Act_impact_on_research.doc • http://www.collegefreedom.org/03pc.htm • http://www.eff.org/Privacy/Surveillance/Terrorism/20011025_hr3162_usa_patriot_bill.html