SIUC police prepare security for activist

By Gus Bode

A series of security measures including, metal detectors, locker inspections and a possible bomb sweep of Lesar Law Building will be conducted by SIUC Police Tuesday in preparation for civil rights activist Morris Dees’ visit.

Dees’ unrelenting legal tactics against Alabama’s United Klan and Oregon’s White Aryan Resistance among other hate groups have made him the target of prior assassination attempts.

Campus security, in conjunction with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s security team have developed a plan to ensure Dees’ safety.

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All attendees of Dees’ lecture must pass through a metal detector in the Lesar Law Building. Also, campus security will conduct a locker sweep of the building ensuring against bombs or firearms.

Tom Brinkman, director of security at the Southern Poverty Law Center, advised SIUC Police on how to develop and implement a specific security plan for Dees.

Brinkman could not comment about the full nature of the security stating it may compromise safety measures but said SIUC police have been outstanding in their support.

Beth Savage-Martin, director of development and alumni affairs, met with SIUC Police Chief Sam Jordan and Lt. Kay Doan to devise protection measures for Dees’ visit.

Doan and Jordan could not be reached for comment.

Savage-Martin said the security precautions are standard procedure for a speaker like Dees.

Despite the heightened security, Savage-Martin said she expects the 300 seat auditorium to be full.

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Brinkman said the precautions are necessary.

For anyone who targets hate groups and extremists, there obviously are security plans where guns and bombs are accounted for, Brinkman said.

School of Law Dean Thomas Guernsey said no trouble is expected.

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