The ability of investigators to conduct “sneak and peek” searches without warrants and increased access to personal records under the USA Patriot Act have some students, faculty and staff concerned about possible threats to the Bill of Rights.

Iowa State is hosting a series of lectures concerning the Patriot Act called, “Is the Bill of Rights in Jeopardy?” As part of that series, Nadine Strossen, president of the American Civil Liberties Union and professor at the New York School of Law, will speak at 8 p.m. Thursday in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union.

Strossen is a high profile speaker who regularly discusses on issues related to the Bill of Rights, said Pat Miller, director of the ISU Lectures Program.

“She is one of the first names that comes to mind on this topic,” Miller said.

Strossen has twice been named one of the 100 most influential lawyers in America by the National Law Journal and has been named one of America’s 100 most important women by Ladies Home Journal.

She has spoken at approximately 500 college campuses and given more than 200 public presentations annually.

The USA Patriot Act was passed Oct. 26, 2001, by Congress as a way of fighting terrorism in the United States.

The lecture will bring together the many perspectives on the issue, such as the opposing liberal and conservative viewpoints on the controversial act, Miller said.

It is important to have someone authoritative speak on the subject, said Cara Harris, president of the ISU chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. Strossen will be taking a look at not only how terrorist attacks affect liberties, but how legislation also affects rights and liberties, she said.

“She is the first female president of ACLU and an amazing role model,” Harris said.

Strossen has written a book, “Defending Pornography: Free Speech, Sex and the Fight for Women’s Rights” and co-authored another book, “Speaking of Race, Speaking of Sex: Hate Speech, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.”

“This topic relates directly to students and their rights,” Miller said.

“[Strossen] is a great communicator and she will do a good job filling people in on this timely topic.”