Press Release: UHH bans cameras from CIA public recruiting lecture

Press Release March 8, 2007

Re:  UHH bans cameras and threatens "bodily ejection" from CIA public recruiting lecture

further contact: Jim Albertini 966-7622

Jim Albertini
Malu `Aina Center For Non-violent Education & Action
P.O. Box AB
`Ola`a (Kurtistown), Hawaii 96760
Phone 808-966-7622
email ja@interpac.net
www.malu-aina.org

 

     A "CIA clandestine operative" gave a public recruiting lecture at University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) 5PM at UCB Room 111 today, Thursday, March 8, 2007.  The meeting was announced in the University calendar and open to the public.  People were told that no photography (stills or video) of the CIA employee or his power point presentation were allowed.  Former Marine and UHH Director of  Career Services, Dr. Norman Stahl, threatened Hawaii Tribune-Herald staff photographer, William Ing, with bodily ejection by security guards if he took even one photo.  Student Global HOPE leader Justin Avery, was told he could not use his video camera.  Malu Aina peace organization also intended to take still photos and video of the presentation.  Several people lined the wall holding signs of protest: "Stop CIA torture; CIA blood money; Intelligence Agency?  Is torture intelligent? CIA is government terrorism; A person dressed as the Grimm Reaper waving a wad of phony money stood near the front of the lecture room with a sign that said: Join the CIA: learn to kill, torture and overthrow elected governments.

 

     Jim Albertini of Malu Aina said his organization is going to file a complaint with UHH Chancellor Rose Tseng, and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Keith Miser.  "Banning  photos and threatening bodily ejection for taking photos at a public lecture at a State University is totally inappropriate," said Albertini.  "If the CIA "spook" doesn't want his photo taken then he shouldn't be giving a public recruiting lecture at a public university," Albertini said.

 

     A leaflet handed out at the CIA lecture by Global HOPE noted that the CIA has overthrown democratically elected leaders around the world; regularly used torture as a means of extracting information from prisoners; trained Osama Bin Laden and put Saddam Hussein's party in power; used people for guinea pigs for testing LSD and other potential "mind controlling" drugs; started the infamous "School of the Americas" that has taught Latin American dictators how to interrogate, torture and murder; and caused the death of over 6 million people since its formation in the 1940s. 

 

     Albertini added, "it is an outrage that a clandestine operative of such a government terrorist organization is recruiting people here.  The promise of big cash does not legitimize a continuing international criminal enterprise.  And to threaten and ban citizens from taking photos of this public event only adds insult to injury.  Has UHH become a security fence for the CIA?  It would seem a better role for our university to sponsor a forum on the theme:  Is there any legitimate role for clandestine operations in a democracy?

 

          -pau-