Screening promotes free speech

Utah State University Libraries and Cache MicroCinema sponsored a film screening and discussion in the Science and Technology Library Monday in an effort to promote libraries as places where people can talk freely about current issues.

As part of the evening’s activities, about 20 USU students and local residents watched excerpts from “Topaz,” a documentary about the interment of Japenese-Americans in central Utah during World War II, and portions of “History and Memory,” a personal account from Rea Tajiri and her family during the internment.

“This was about balancing individual freedom and national security,” said Lawrence Culver, assistant professor of history at USU and discussion facilitator.

Both of the films reflected themes of citizenship and national security which is relevant to this time of year in light of Sept. 11, said Wendy Holliday, reference librarian at USU and board member for Cache MicroCinema.

The event was part of an international effort called The September Project, which is an organization responding to the events of Sept. 11, 2001. This is the first year USU has participated in this effort.

“We are proud to be a part of The September Project this year,” said Holliday. “Libraries across the country will be hosting events this September to encourage public discussion on freedom, democracy and citizenship. Being able to tie our event into the Topaz discussion is very timely and appropriate for campus this year.”

Holliday hopes that through activities such as these, students and local residents will feel they have a place to express their own ideas.

“We want people to still know, despite all the technology, it’s a community center and a place where people can talk about ideas and have a conversation,” Holliday said.

September Project events are activities of reflection, discussion and dialogue about the meaning of freedom, the role of information in promoting active citizenship and the importance of literacy in making sense of the world, according to The September Project Web site.

Representatives from USU and Cache MicroCinema plan on sponsoring additional screenings and discussions in the future.

For more information about The September Project go to www.theseptemberproject.org.

-mmackay@cc.usu.edu