Curriculum Guide · Courses

Professor Huskey

LL.M Seminar 901 (cross-listed) | 2 credit hours

Almost ten years after the September 11th terrorist attacks, America’s national security regime continues to be influenced by lingering fears of another terrorist attack. Each report of a suspicious terrorism-related event, whether domestic or international, creates a renewed suspicion of Muslims, Arabs, and South Asians in the United States. With the adoption of each new national security related policy or law, fierce debate ensues as to its effect on individual rights and liberties and the disparate impact on a specific subset of the population. This course provides a survey of select post-9/11 national security laws and policies that have directly affected Arabs, Muslims, and South Asians in the U.S. Each week students will read and discuss the legal underpinnings of certain policies and practices, the strengths and weaknesses of such policies and practices, related legislative proposals, and responses by rights advocacy and community groups. Topics for discussion include material support for terrorism laws, targeted immigration enforcement efforts, counter radicalization programs, terrorist watch lists, national security letters, the PATRIOT Act, and fusion centers. Students analyze case law, executive branch policies, statutory law, and proposed legislation to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the various viewpoints relevant to these hotly-debated topics. While time will be devoted developing a foundational understanding of the relevant laws and theories, the majority of readings and class discussions will focus on the practical policy and political implications of the post-9/11 national security regime and how it has impacted racial, ethnic, and religious minorities in America. To provide a historical context, discussions will also include the relationship between these current events and America’s historical treatment of immigrants and other racial and religious minorities.