FBI Agent to speak on terrorism, civil conflict

Robert Springer, a FBI agent with the Indianapolis division, will give a free talk today at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He will be discussing “Terrorism, Civil Liberties and Meditation: A Delicate Balance” at 5:30 p.m. in the SPEA Atrium.\nLisa Bingham, professor of public service at SPEA, said this talk is a great opportunity for citizens to gain a better understanding of both the public role of the FBI and how agents handle legal conflicts while staying true to constitutional principles.\n“At some point in everyone’s life, they will need to juggle job responsibilities with ethics,” Bingham said. “It is important to understand how one public official can do (his or her) job (while staying) consistent with (his or her) duty to the Constitution.”\nDuring his talk, Springer will address recent investigations of eco-terrorism – terrorism for the sake of environmental causes – and agri-terrorism, efforts to destroy plant and animal life in different areas of the country. He will also discuss various techniques FBI agents use to mediate conflicts while maintaining civil liberties. He will also touch on possible conflicts surrounding the construction of Interstate 69 through southwestern Indiana, according to an IU media relations press release.\nStudents with any interest in a career with the FBI are especially encouraged to attend, as Springer will discuss career opportunities for students who are able to apply their education and training in policy and environmental sciences in on-the-job situations.\nSpringer has been with the FBI for three years, working with the Joint Terrorism Task Force in the FBI’s Indianapolis field office. Before joining the FBI, he was a probation officer and attorney in Cleveland.\nThe talk is sponsored by the Environmental Management Association, a student chapter of the National Association of Environmental Professionals.