Purdue News

March 16, 2001 Former Aryan Nations leader to speak on Indiana hate groups WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A former national press secretary and chief spokesman for the Idaho-based Aryan Nations will share an insider's view of the racist movement during a free lecture at Purdue. Floyd Cochran, founder and director of the Education and Vigilance Network, will speak at 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 28, in Stewart Center Room 314. His presentation, which will focus on active hate groups in Indiana and their recruiting methods, is sponsored by the School of Liberal Arts. Cochran, once a high-ranking official in the Aryan Nations movement, is nationally recognized as an expert on hate groups. He has appeared on national television and radio programs, including ABC's "Nightline," the CBS program "48 Hours," CNN's "Talkback Live" and NPR's "All Things Considered." The Education and Vigilance Network is an anti-racist information and resource center that reports hate crimes and monitors racist groups. Cochran founded the Pennsylvania-based center after renouncing his racist beliefs in 1992. Since then he has served as a consultant to federal and state law enforcement agencies and the U.S. military, and has testified about hate crimes before several state legislatures. Additional information on Cochran is available at the Education and Vigilance Network website. CONTACT: Joan Marshall, (765) 494-3667, jmarshal@sla.purdue.edu. NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: Floyd Cochran will be available for interviews the day of the presentation and immediately following his talk. To set up an appointment in advance, contact Joan Marshall in the Dean of Liberal Arts Office, (765) 494-3667, jmarshal@sla.purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page