[Ppnews] Ward Churchill Trial Starts 3/9 - Update

[Political Prisoner News]

Folks,
It is time to step up and support Ward Churchill's cause. He is under 
attack for his independent thinking and research, and for speaking 
truth to power (see below).

You probably know his groundbreaking books about COINTELPRO, the 
vicious federal program that used (and probably still uses) illegal 
surveillance and murder to disrupt organizations: "The COINTELPRO 
Papers," and "Agents of Repression," (both with Jim Vanderwall). 
These books are the bibles on this criminal program. If you haven't, 
check them out (or read them again).

He has also written many books on indigenous people. In one of them I 
learned that Indian children, when they were taken from their parents 
and put in boarding schools, children were forced to do  was do slave 
labor for a big part of each day. No surprise, just like the prison farms.

Spread the word, pass this along, send statements of solidarity, 
organize solidarity events, and donate to the defense fund.

********************
Ward Churchill Trial Update
Ward & I are very appreciative of all of the support we have received 
over the past several years in our battle with the University of 
Colorado, and for all of the work that each of you contributes to our 
collective struggle.  We wanted to keep you updated as we prepare to 
go to trial next week.

As most of you know, Ward Churchill -- an indigenous scholar and 
activist and tenured professor of Ethnic Studies-- came under attack 
in January 2005 for an article he wrote on 9/11. A media blitz 
followed in which Bill O'Reilly and others spearheaded attacks on 
Ward. Colorado Governor Bill Owens called for the University to fire 
him immediately but, because that would have been blatantly 
unconstitutional, CU instead launched an investigation into all of 
Ward's writings in an attempt to come up with some pretext to fire 
him. In July 2007, the University of Colorado fired Ward for 
"academic misconduct."

Ward's case is emblematic of the attempts to silence dissent that we 
have seen all over this country, not just in our universities, but in 
our communities as well. Ward is now suing the University.  Many 
indigenous scholars and activists, as well as critical race theorists 
including Prof. Derrick Bell will be testifying.

Ward is requesting reinstatement so that CU and other universities 
will be deterred from attempts to silence other critical voices.  It 
is our deepest hope that in standing up to the rightwing forces 
attempting to silence Ward we will show them that we will not 
tolerate such repression.

The trial is scheduled for March 9-27 in Denver state court.   If you 
are in the area, your presence would be greatly appreciated:

      Denver State Court, Courtroom #6, 1437 Bannock St., Denver, CO 80202

Supporters have organized a kick-off event is Monday, March 9, 2009 
from 9:30am-5pm, with refreshments across the street from the 
courthouse in Civic Center Park. For more info or ride shares, e-mail 
<mailto:churchilltrial at gmail.com>churchilltrial at gmail.com.

If you would like more information, or can make a donation to the 
legal fund, please visit the Ward Churchill Solidarity Network 
website at <http://www.wardchurchill.net/>www.wardchurchill.net.

Finally, please keep us in your thoughts and spread the word!

In struggle and solidarity,

Natsu Saito



Freedom Archives
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San Francisco, CA 94110

415 863-9977

www.Freedomarchives.org  
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