Writer: Sara Giboney, UNK Communications, 308.865.8529, giboneys2@unk.edu
Source: Diane Duffin, department of political science, 308.865.8758, duffind@unk.edu
KEARNEY – “Edward Snowden: Hero or Criminal?” is the focus of the Fireside Chat at the University of Nebraska at Kearney Friday, Sept. 6.
“There are important things going on in the world that students are interested in, but we don’t always get the opportunity to cover those issues in classrooms,” said Diane Duffin, associate professor and chair of the department of political science.
Fireside Chats, which are free and open to the public, take place from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. in the Fireside Lounge of the Nebraskan Student Union on the first Friday of the month. The discussion will be facilitated by Satoshi Machida, UNK associate professor of political science.
Edward Snowden, an American computer specialist who worked for the CIA and U.S. National Security Agency, leaked secrets regarding government mass surveillance programs.
The forum will focus on the public opinion about the case, which has been highly polarized. Machida and attendees will discuss whether Snowden is a hero or a criminal who should be punished for his action. The discussion will examine the delicate balance between privacy and national security.
“We always try to discuss something that’s timely and something that citizens are trying to make sense of,” Duffin said.
Fireside Chats are informal, discussion-oriented events, rather than formal lectures, Duffin added.
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