January 20, 2005

Dear Board of Regents,

What do you think a university is really all about?

As someone who has devoted a quarter of a century to teaching and research at UH, my answer is that a university is ultimately about open, informed, and critical inquiry to promote human welfare.

Do you agree? If so, then you will reject UARC because it is just the opposite.

The foremost responsibility of the Board of Regents is to promote the university, not the military. There are numerous ways to conduct research and obtain funding without the military. There are many other places where military research can be done without endangering the university.

Please act responsibly for the good of the university, instead of descending further down the slippery slope of the militarization of the minds at UH. Please search your conscience and do the right thing.

Respectfully,

Dr. Les Sponsel
Professor of Anthropology
UH Manoa