Anarchist U meeting minutes 24 April 2005

The meeting commenced shortly after 6 o'clock, with eight persons present. Three more persons later joined the meeting.

Course Proposals:

Rob proposed a course called "Terror and Sexuality." The course is a critical examination of mainstream views of pedophilia. In Rob's words, it is "an examination of a contemporary moral panic." Robs says that his approach is epistemological. This approach includes a critical examination of hetero-normative views about sexuality. Rob claims that current views about pedophilia are homophobic. As Rob states, "the child and the queer are being set up as polar opposites." The course will take 6-7 weeks, in July and August.

Rob admits that the topic is controversial, yet he shows a real concern towards the subject and the need to address the issue, though in a way without creating undue controversy. Rob suggested that if more time was needed, a decision about whether the course is to be approved maybe delayed until the next meeting. Though concerns about the potential backlashes about the controversial nature of the course were raised, it was decided that it was in the spirit of the Anarchist University to nevertheless take these risks. The issue of consensus decision making was brought up due to the controversial nature of the topic, and the security issues which this raises for all members of the Anarchist U. Though a consensus was finally reached to approve this course, the group suggested that the course should be brought up again at the next meeting, so that individuals may bring up any further concerns, and in order to discuss security issues. However, when Rob returned to hear the groups decision pending the approval of his course, the issue of consensus decision making and structure was once again raised, and he suggested that the approval of the course be deferred to the next meeting, so as to avoid undermining the authority of this group as a decision making power.

Chris proposed a course called "9/11 and Peak Oil: In Perspective," which will examine issues concerning oil, the drug trade, history of the CIA and the Taliban, and government involvement in inciting war, with the example of Hitler's burning of the Reichstag in order to use communists as scapegoats. Different theories of 9/11 will be discussed, mostly focusing on how much involvement the U.S. government had in the attack. The world-wide attack on civil liberties after 9/11 will be discussed, including an examination of FEMA, a U.S. agency devoted to counter-terrorist measures. The course will take place over 10 weeks. A consensus was quickly reached to approve this course.

Darren read the course proposal of his friend Martin called "Two Hour Introduction to First-Aid," which does not offer any certification. The goal of the course is to offer people the knowledge to be able to act effectively in an emergency First-Aid situation. The course was approved.

Promotion:

The following methods of promotion were discussed:

• Postering -- to be commenced tonight by Ashar, Bill, and Chris.
• Placing ads in Eye magazine
• Pamphlets
• Dropping Flyers -- to be done by various members
• Sending emails to list-servs
• Appearing on the show "Educating Ourselves" -- initiated by Rob.

Fundraising:

Darren brought up the idea of hosting an event featuring entertainment, which would act as a promotional event as well. The possibility of a fundraiser at Uprising was brought up but we decided to serve the topic for the next meeting. Some also questioned the wisdom of having fundraisers at all, since the Anarchist University incurs next to no operating costs.

Website:

We discussed the need to contact certain course facilitators, which was cleared up by Bill and Ashar.