News from Grand Valley State University

Talking Homeland Security

Grand Valley's Jonathan White was in Grand Rapids on April 20 to hold briefings with area law enforcement officials. As executive director of the Homeland Defense Initiative, White spoke about international terrorism, the Middle East and Central Asia.

White also held a news conference with local media. He fielded questions about Iraq, Afghanistan and the safety of America. White told reporters the United States has made great strides in the gathering and sharing of intelligence information since 9-11, but the country's fight against terrorism will be a long one.

White said there have been about 300 terrorist attacks since 9-11 and the United States will continue to be a target. He said the key for change is not just through military efforts, but through education and understanding.

White took leave as dean of social sciences for Grand Valley in the spring of 2002, after being asked by the Justice Department to conduct anti-terrorism training for law enforcement officials across the country. He plans to return to Grand Valley when his assignment ends.

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