“It is critical that we not forget that capital punishment is alive and well in the United States,” said Lyon. “People across the country are being sentenced to die every day. Programs like this are important to keep the issue in the forefront until America becomes a nation where states no longer kill in the name of justice.”

While executions have been temporarily halted in some states, including Illinois, the death penalty debate continues to rage. Only last month, two men were executed just hours apart in Florida and Texas. And even in states that have moratoriums in place, people are still being sentenced to die, according to Lyon. The reality in these cases is that those receiving death sentences may one day face the executioner.

With state sponsored executions still looming, Ryan, Hobley and Lyon also will address such topics as the race and politics of capital punishment; the value of life; and the impact of states determining which guilty defendants deserve to live and which ones deserve to die.

Immediately preceding the discussion there will be a premiere screening of the documentary film “Race to Execution.” The film is scheduled to air on public television March 27, 2007. Produced and directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Rachel Lyon in conjunction with Lioness Media Arts, Inc., the film offers an investigative glimpse into America’s criminal justice system by probing how race plays a role in death sentencing.

The documentary will explore the premise that once a victim’s body is discovered, the race of the victim and the accused touch almost every aspect of the criminal justice process from how the crime is investigated, to the deployment of police resources, to the interrogation and arrest of major suspects, to how the crime is portrayed in the media and, ultimately, jury selection and sentencing. Also highlighted are the stories of two men sentenced to die—one of them Hobley.

The evening will conclude with a candle light vigil and include recorded messages from former death row inmates whose lives were spared when Ryan imposed the death penalty moratorium in January of 2003.

The event, which is co-sponsored by the DePaul Political Science Department and the DePaul chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine and Amnesty International, is open to the public but seating is limited and by ticket only. For reservations contact Elliot Slosar at elliot@mpk.com.

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