WikiLeaks in the Classroom

My colleague and friend Andrew wrote a blog post about how the information in WikiLeaks should be handled in the classroom. Given the strong reaction of the US government, Andrew wondered if a teacher should even bring WikiLeaks documents into the class for students to analyze.

I think that even if we don't directly talk about the documents in class, there are many issues that we can still bring up. For one, WikiLeaks has come under intense government and corporation attack, and US politicians have labeled WikiLeaks a terrorist organization and even suggested assassination of its staff. Yet, WikiLeaks is partnered with the top newspapers in the world (e.g. The New York Times, The Guardian) and is only publishing information passed on to them by a whistle blower. The intimidation by the US government is a challenge to democracy and freedom of the press.

Here are some ideas for activities we can do in class without actually getting into the content of WikiLeaks documents. Students can research news articles and decide on a Value Line whether WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is a criminal or a crusader. Have students Examine Both Sides on the following questions: Is WikiLeaks releasing more information than the public should see? Does it undermine diplomatic confidentiality and is it a good thing? Is the intimidation by the government and corporations justified? These discussions should be able to address any PLOs related to democracy, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press.

What do you think? Do you have any other ideas on how WikiLeaks can be discussed in the classroom without incriminating yourself?