DePauw Alumni to Stage Teach-in to Protest Jailing of Former Professor in Egypt

June 1, 2001

June 1, 2001, Greencastle, Ind. - Human rights activist Saad Ibrahim, who taught at DePauw University between 1967 and 1974 and was recently sentenced to seven years in prison in Egypt, will receive a show of support from his former students and colleagues during DePauw's Alumni Reunion Weekend. On Saturday, June 2, the Class of 1971 will stage a teach-in to show support for Dr. Ibrahim and his associates. It will take place in room 106 of historic East College on the DePauw campus.

Dr. Robert Calvert, professor of political science at DePauw, says the event "will be an opportunity for those who were Dr. Ibrahim's students, or those who knew him as a colleague, or those who simply want to learn how they can help rescue a good and courageous man in trouble and to support his family in the meantime, to come together and share recollections, information about Saad's current situation, principles that are violated by his being in prison, and suggestions for further action in his behalf."

Among the members of the Class of 1971 is Barbara K. (Lethem) Ibrahim, Saad's wife. She is in Cairo and is unable to attend her thirtieth reunion, but her sister Nancy will be on hand for Saturday's teach-in.

To learn more about the imprisonment of Saad Ibrahim and 27 other activists who were sentenced on May 21, go to this Associated Press news story: http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20010521/wl/ egypt_activists_sentenced_1.html

"Younger colleagues may wonder about the curious term, 'teach-in'," says Calvert. "In essence it's speaking out and listening in protest against a grave wrong that affects us all and in an academic setting. For further information about the historical origins and significance of teach-ins, just ask any member of the class of 1971."

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