With newspaper and television reports filled with anthrax and bioterrorism, it’s hard to know what to believe, and it’s easy to get confused.

There are NIU experts who can help to explain these threats.

Stuart Hill, an assistant professor of biology, will be leading a discussion titled “A Microbiologist’s Perspective on the Potential Bioterrorist Threat” at noon today at the Holmes Student Center, Room 405.

“We’ll discuss whether anthrax could be regarded as a bioterrorist threat and more potential agents that can arrive,” Hill said.

Anthrax is not the most effective bioterrorist weapon, and there are scarier concepts out there, like smallpox, Hill said.

“The U.S. needs to be aware that this is minor compared to what could happen,” Hill said.

This discussion is sponsored by the Office of the Faculty Senate and University Council and by the Office of the Provost.

“Bioterrorism is always on the news, and we have faculty on campus that can tell us what’s real and not real,” said provost Ivan Legg. “[Hill] is an expert and can help us understand a lot more about biological attacks.”

Two other discussions also will be sponsored. A Wednesday discussion on multiculturalism will be led by Thomas Barone, an assistant professor of education and psychology foundations, and LaVerne Gyant from the Center for Black Studies. The other discussion, on foreign policy, will be led by Chris Jones, an assistant professor of political science, on Nov. 7. Both discussions will be held at noon at the Holmes Student Center, Room 405.

Anthrax, a very feared weapon

Who: Stuart Hill

What: A Microbiologist’s Perspective on the Potential Bioterrorist Threat

Where: Holmes Student Center, Room 405

When: Noon today

Other Discussions

Who: Thomas Barone and LaVerne Gyant

What: Multicultural Education’s Role in Addressing Sept. 11

Where: Holmes Student Center, Room 405

When: Wednesday at noon

Who: Chris Jones

What: The War Against Terrorism: A U.S. Foreign Policy Perspective

Where: Holmes Student Center, Room 405

When: Nov. 7 at noon