The American Civil Liberties Union of Penn State recently added a feature to its Web site, http://www.clubs.psu.edu/aclu, called the "FreedomServer," which allows students to directly e-mail their state legislators.

"We're hoping students will take an active role in their government," said ACLU-PSU coordinator Courtney Kirschner (senior-prelaw). "That's very important."

The ACLU, an organization known for advocating free speech for all people, believes that the FreedomServer will be a successful vehicle in which students can encourage their lawmakers to support the first amendment.

"It's so easy and convenient," Kirschner said.

After accessing the Web page and clicking on the FreedomServer icon, students must enter their names, addresses and zip codes. The computer will then find and display the name of their appropriate lawmakers and will create an automated response letter. This letter can be e-mailed or printed out and mailed directly to the legislator. Students are also encouraged to write original letters.

"This is the first time we've taken this approach," said Brian Ecker (senior-electrical engineering), ACLU-PSU coordinator.l

FreedomServer was added as a response to the controversy that Rep. John Lawless, R-Montgomery, stirred up over Sex Faire and Cuntfest, programs conducted by Womyn's Concerns, Ecker said.

"We believe in freedom of expression for everyone. You can't give freedom of speech to people you agree with and then deny it to people you disagree with," Ecker said.

Kirschner believes that it is very important for students to let their legislators know how they feel about controversial issues.

"People are really enraged about this topic (censorship). It's definitely important that students stay in contact with their representatives," she said.

So far, the ACLU has notified students of its Web site by hanging signs and distributing flyers. Advertising has indeed helped, as the FreedomServer has attracted over 200 people in the first few weeks it has been available.

The main goals of the ACLU of Penn State are providing public information, serving as a liaison between students and the national ACLU branch and serving as the "watchdog" of the university, borough and local government to make sure that student rights are not violated.

"Just because you go to college doesn't mean you lose your rights," Kirschner said.