AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION of Champaign County Steering Committee December 9, 2004 Present: Bill Brown,, Roger Clark, Rachael Dietkus, Ward Henson, Allan Levy, Rocky Maffit, Esther Patt, Gary Peters, Steven Portnoy, Carol Spindel, Shirley Stillinger, Vinay Tota Absent with notice: Susan Cohen, Harry Hilton, Stuart Laird, Stan Levy, Jay Rosenstein, Kristin Solberg The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Steve Portnoy. The minutes of the November meeting were approved with the correction that Ward Henson was present. Steve reported that Paul Wisovaty has resigned from the steering committee. The committee decided to cancel the January meeting. Ward Henson distributed the treasurer's report showing assets of $3,751.19. He reported $505 from new memberships. The committee voted to accept the report. Annual meeting Nadine Strossen cannot come to speak at the dinner. Esther will talk to Hiram Paley about asking Dick Durbin to come. Rachael will explore other possibilities. Roger suggested Jeffrey Stone from the University of Chicago. Nominating Committee Bill Brown will chair the committee to present a slate of officers and members of the steering committee. Esther volunteered to be on the committee. Awards Committee Bill will ask for volunteers Voting rights in Champaign County Jail Mark Shelden will not change his mind about refusing absentee ballots for inmates of the jail; he will do it only if ordered to. The State Board of Elections has this on its agenda. Bill will contact Mary Dixon to ask her for help. Religiously-restricted gifts to the University Allan talked to a former head of student financial aid; he learned that the University makes the selection of the awardee, not the donor. Allan will ask the head of the U of I Foundation for a copy of the gift letter. The steering committee voted to appoint Allan and Stan Levy to investigate the matter on behalf of the chapter. Rachael reported that the student ACLU got $10,000 from SORF to bring Richard Clarke to campus; $5,000 more is needed. He will speak Tuesday, March 8 at Follinger Auditorium. Rachael also announced that the documentary "Against All Enemies" will be shown at 3:00 p.m. on January 30 at the Art Theater. There will be a panel discussion and reception afterwards; former governor George Ryan will attend. The steering committee voted to be a sponsor of the event and to contribute $300, with the understanding that we would give up to $200 more if it is needed. Allan suggested inviting Barack Obama to speak in 2006-07 in conjunction with the Chancellor's office, the Law School, and other groups. Steve announced that he would be gone until next fall. Bill Brown, vice-chair, will assume the chairmanship. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Shirley Stillinger No meeting in January