National Experts in Business, Security, Terrorism and the Law to Explore Solutions

Does easy access to catastrophic biological and chemical agents pose domestic and international threats? Can security systems and law enforcement protect us from potential intrusions on individual and corporate rights? Have cyber-terrorists compromised the privacy rights of individuals and businesses?

These are just a few issues to be addressed when a panel of national experts in the areas of business, security, law enforcement, terrorism and the law examine the business implications of terrorism and government anti-terrorism programs at a conference sponsored by the DePaul University College of Law. "Terrorism in Business" will begin at 8:15 a.m. Oct. 15 at the DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., 8^th floor Conference Center.

Michael Sheehan, counter-terrorism coordinator for the U.S. State Department, will provide the keynote address. He is responsible for developing, coordinating and implementing American counter-terrorism policy. His remarks, which are scheduled for 9:15 a.m., are expected to touch on issues such as could. international terrorism occur in the United States and what the U.S. government is doing to ensure the safety of U.S. businesses abroad.

There also will be an invitation-only, private address by Richard Clarke, senior director for global issues and multilateral affairs for the National Security Council at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Nick’s Fishmarket, 51 S. Clark St. Clarke will likely discuss as the type of government programs currently in place to protect business from terrorism and how the government and business community can to prevent terrorist acts in the United States.

"As threats of terrorism escalate, the time is ripe to examine the potential risk they pose to business and what can be done to counter it," said Barry Kellman, a DePaul professor of law DePaul and a nationally recognized legal authority on weapons control and terrorism. "Since terrorist activities could inflict enormous costs, the business community must strengthen its capability to protect itself."

Key presenters include:

• Scott Lassar, U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Illinois

• Larry Collins, vice president, Investigative Group International, Inc.

• Michael J. O’Neil, senior counsel, Center for Democracy and Technology

• Sheryl Vonblucher, formerly involved in international strategy for British Peteroleum/Amoco
• Lynn Klotz, chair, subgroup on industry concerns, Federation of American Scientists’ Biological and Toxic Weapons Verification Program

The conference will address such topics as the adequacy of law enforcement and private security services to protect against terrorism; how to guard against cyber-terrorism without silencing communication; and how to regulate biological and chemical agents without violating the Constitution.

The final session of the workshop will explore proposals for new initiatives to help counter the growing threats of terrorism.

Program co-sponsors include the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations; the Chicago Chamber of Commerce; the Mid-America Committee; the World Trade Center of Chicago; the Investigative Group International; the National Strategy Forum; the Midwest Consortium for International Security Studies and the DePaul University College of Commerce.

The cost of the entire conference, which includes a luncheon, is $125 per person. Cost for the conference only is $100 and for the luncheon only is $35. To register, call Robert Silber at 312/362-6178.

Editors note: Reporters wishing to cover the conference or Richard Clarke’s remarks on Oct. 14 event should contact Valerie Phillips at 312/362-5039. Additional conference information can be found at www.law.depaul.edu/terrorconf.