Resolution opposing indefinite detention

whereas, the indefinite military detention of any person without trial violates the 5th and 6th amendments of the Constitution of the United States; and

whereas, the indefinite detention of any person, including US citizens, could be allowed by sections 1021 and 1022 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA); and

whereas, the NDAA erodes the right of presumed innocence and right to a fair trial; and

whereas, the NDAA’s detention provisions could target activists, journalists, and others exercising their First Amendment rights in the crucial struggle to defend free speech; and

whereas, the NDAA’s detention provisions could allow the recurrence of torture in military detention, in violation of the 8th amendment; and

whereas, officials such as the FBI Director, the Defense Secretary, the Director of National Intelligence, the Department of Defense and many military leaders have opposed the NDAA’s detention provisions; and

whereas, it is in keeping with the mission of Central Connecticut State University to extend and defend academic and intellectual freedom,

therefore be it resolved that the Faculty Senate of Central Connecticut State University strongly affirms our defense of rights and liberties enshrined in the Constitution of the United States. We join with the CT Coalition to Stop Indefinite Detention and other concerned groups in urging the US Congress and Senate to repeal the NDAA’s detention provisions and restore fundamental rights and liberties embodied in the U.S. Constitution.

Endorsed by Peace Studies on 4.26.2012
Adopted by CCSU Faculty Senate on 5.7.2012
Submitted by Mike Alewitz