Fellow students,

Many of you know that there is an annual unplanned gathering in front of
the Library on April 20.  Whether you hate this event or love it, and
whether you plan to go or not, you should know some other issues that
converge on that date.

On the weekend of April 20, 2001, Quebec City, just a few hours north, will
be hosting the Summit of the Americas.  At this Summit, 34 countries will
meet to expand NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement) and create a
new free trade area that includes all of the Americas (FTAA or the Free
Trade Area of the Americas).

Activists are planning to protest the summit through various means, and
they have designated Burlington as a convergence point to gather, prepare,
and engage in activities.  Access into Canada may be limited, thereby
making Burlington and UVM a natural gathering point for lots of people on
or around April 20.

As in the WTO protest in Seattle more than a year ago, there is the
potential that you might suddenly find yourself caught in situations where
your personal safety is placed in jeopardy whether you intend to watch or
demonstrate peacefully.

We all, of course, have the right to exercise free speech on and off
campus.  As members of the UVM community it is our responsibility to speak
our minds, respect each other, and maintain a safe community.

There are many educational programs on and off campus, and we encourage you
to take advantage of these opportunities.

Be educated, stay safe, and good luck with finals.

If you have any questions or concerns about this issue or anything else,
please feel free to email anyone of us.



Bill Tickner, SGA President     Julie Britt, SGA Vice President
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Nat Sillin, IFC President       Liz Williamson, Panhel President
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Scott Roe, IRA President        Pat Raymond, IRA Vice President
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