Salem, Mass. - The School of Social Work at Salem State College will host its 21st annual Human Rights Convocation on Monday, March 31, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in Veteran's Hall, located in the Ellison Campus Center. The theme of this year's convocation is "National Security and Civil Liberties: The Impact of 9/11 on Arab and Muslim Immigrants and Citizens."

Congressman John F. Tierney will deliver the keynote address. The event will feature guest panelists; Omar H. Ali, a Boston-based immigration attorney and member of the Islamic Society of Boston, Eva A. Millona, an immigration/naturalization policy director for the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, and Dr. Assem Badawy, professor of geological sciences at Salem State College.

According to Robert McAndrews, associate professor, School of Social Work, and organizer of the event, "The horrific attacks of September 11, 2001 have had profound effects throughout our society. Our political leaders have been faced with unprecedented challenges in their efforts to protect the public from future terrorist attacks, while at the same time ensuring that the values and principles of a free and open society that treasures its diversity are preserved." McAndrews added, " This year's Human Rights Convocation seeks to provide a forum for the discussion of these challenges, particularly as they affect Arab and Muslim immigrants and citizens."

The program is free and open to the public. This event is co-sponsored by the Office of the President, Human Resources and Equal Opportunity, Center for International Education and the Peace Institute. For more information, call Robert McAndrews at (978) 542-6815.