An Inside Look at Guantanamo: A Muslim Chaplain's Struggle for Justice
James Yee, former U.S. Army Chaplain
March 20, 2008 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, University of Texas Law School Auditorium
James Yee spoke passionately about his experience of being a Muslim Chaplain at Guantanamo Bay detention camp where he worked to address the religious needs of the U.S. military staff and over 600 prisoners. He shared with the audience his observations about what he characterized as inappropriate and unacceptable use of religion as a weapon against the Muslim detainees. Yee called for more education and training so that Americans—both soldiers and civilians—will understand the basic tenets of Islam as a non-violent religion.
He also briefly retold his own story of being unjustly arrested and held in solitary confinement for 76 days in 2003. He was accused of spying, espionage and aiding prisoners at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp but was subsequently exonerated of all charges, given an honorable discharge and commended for his service.
Yee is a third-generation Chinese American who, after graduating from West Point, converted to Islam in April of 1991 and served in the U.S. military for over a decade. He has been featured on a variety of news programs, including The O'Reilly Factor and MSNBC's Hardball, and has spoken at college campuses around the country. Yee also tells his story in his book For God and Country: Faith and Patriotism Under Fire.
This event was sponsored by the Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law, Mayer Brown LLP, the Texas Journal on Civil Liberties and Civil Rights, the National Security & Human Rights Clinic at The University of Texas School of Law and the Individual Rights & Responsibilities Section of the State Bar of Texas.
Press Coverage:
- "Former Guantanamo Chaplain Speaks at UT," KUT Radio
- "Nightmare at Guantanamo," Austin American-Statesman
- "Army vet speaks against mistreatment of detainees," The Daily Texan
- "Former Army chaplain talks about Guantanamo incarceration," CBS 42
- "Army Chaplain at Guantanamo to Speak," Austin Chronicle
Kristine Huskey, Strauss Fellow and Director of the National Security and Human Rights Clinic,
welcomed the audience and Chaplain Yee.
Gary Isaac, of the global law firm Mayer Brown, gave opening remarks.
Chaplain Yee spoke about his experiences ministering to Muslims at Guantanamo Bay.
Chaplain Yee addressed the audience at the Law School Auditorium.
Chaplain Yee's presentation, with Kristine Huskey and Gary Isaac looking on.
Chaplain Yee.
The Strauss Center is nonpartisan and takes no institutional position on any issue. All statements of fact and all expressions of opinion at Center events are the sole responsibility of the speaker.
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