As America wrestles with controversial issues--such as waging war in Iraq, recognizing the International Criminal Court, the death penalty and the nation’s world posture in the wake of the 9/11 attacks--most of its actions are being played out on a universal stage. How are these issues impacting the world’s view of America as a nation?

This is one of the key questions that will be considered when the School for New Learning (SNL) and the Center for Spirituality and Values in Practice at DePaul University host “To See Ourselves as Others See U.S.—The United States in Global Perspective,” at 11:30 a.m. March 1, at the DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., 8th Floor. The cost of the symposium, which includes a box lunch, is $12.

“The U.S. is the super power in the world, but what does that mean and how are we viewed?” said Fred Wellisch, the event’s organizer. Wellisch also is an SNL professor and criminal defense attorney. “Does our lack of support for international treaties such as the one establishing the International Criminal Court, or our stance on Iraq bolster our reputation as a bully? Are we viewed as unilateral or multilateral players on the global platform? These are some of the critical issues that this conference will address.”

The event will bring together authorities in such arenas as international human rights law, immigration, the death penalty, Iraqi policy, infectious diseases and business. Among the scheduled speakers are:

· M. Cherif Bassiouni, director of the International Human Right Law Institute at DePaul and a DePaul law professor. Bassiouni was instrumental in helping to establish the International Criminal Court. He will discuss how the U.S. is viewed from a human rights perspective, specifically in light of its refusal to suppot the International Criminal Court.

· Rozell “Prexy” Nesbitt, organizer for Africa Action in the USA and a former organizer for the AFL-CIO in Africa. He will discuss America as a violent society.

· Owais Succari, a DePaul College of Commerce professor, will address how America’s position impacts its ability to do business throughout the world.

· Leonard Cavise, a DePaul College of Law Professor,will discuss how our human rights policies are received in Latin America.

· Wellisch will discuss how our allies in Europe, who do not have a death penalty, view us when our position on the death penalty is the same as countries in “the axis of evil.”

· Toby Glicken, a SNL professor and biologist, and Gary Kohn, a SNL professor and physician, will discuss infectious diseases as well as their global burden and global challenge.

“To See Ourselves as Others See U.S”. is the second discussion that SNL has hosted since the 9/11 attacks. The programs are designed to provide perspective and information as well as spark discussion about our rapidly changing society. For more information or to register for the conference, contact Danyel Reed at 312/362-8684 or dreed@depaul.edu.

Note to editors: Reporters wishing to cover this event should contact Valerie Phillips, DePaul University Media Relations at 312/362-5039 or 312/330-3155 (cell).