Retired Brigadier General James Cullen will discuss rights of terrorist suspects tomorrow at 7 p.m. in Meredith Hall room 106. The lecture is part of the Fall 2010 Foreign Policy series, sponsored by the Center for Global Citizenship and the National Security Network.
Cullen enlisted in the army in 1969 and retired in 1996. He held many positions throughout his military career. Prior to retirement, Cullen served as chief judge of the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals. He also held a position in the development and implementation of training programs for over 2,000 Army Reserve Judge Advocate officers across the country. Cullen received many awards and medals during his career, including the Distinguished Service Medal.
The talk will be about “human rights and accused terrorism suspects.” Cullen gives lectures around the country to raise awareness about human rights and to encourage a better understanding on the handling of terrorist subjects. Cullen also heads the real estate and construction practice at a law firm in New York City.
Cullen is considered an authority on the rights of suspect terrorists. In late June, he was a signer for the Constitution Project, Beyond Guantanamo. The declaration is a human rights document supporting federal court prosecution of terrorism subjects. The declaration advocated for the president and congress to support the policy of treatment and trial of suspected terrorists. It also stated that having remaining detainees in Guantanamo is not appropriate and is contrary to American values.
National Security Network works with experts to create a solid national security policy and organize speaker series to talk about national security issues. This is Drakes CGC’s third year sponsoring the speakers and film series.
Cullen’s lecture is an opportunity for students to learn about critical perspectives from experts around the country.
“So often we hear 30-second sound bite opinions about the issues in our country,” said Darcie Vandegrift, Interim Director of the CGC. “Whether we agree with their opinions or not, we come away knowing more about the issue.”
The Center for Global Citizenship has lectures and films planned for the academic year that appeal to students of all majors, with topics ranging from human rights to psychology to theater studies. Cullen’s lecture is expected to have about 80-100 students and community members attend. To learn more about the series and CGC events and activities, visit: drake.edu/international/cgc.
