Engineering dean betrays key concept

Re. “U of A doctorate for Suzuki meets with opposition,” April 24

The dean of engineering at the University of Alberta declares honouring Suzuki is a betrayal of “fundamental values.” There is a betrayal here, but it is not the award to Suzuki. Rather, it is the betrayal by the dean to question the university’s responsibility to promote open expression of knowledge and recognize achievements of people like Suzuki.

The dean is vehement in his opposition to Suzuki’s views. His vehemence, however, should be in defence of his students’ and the community’s opportunity to hear views contrary to his own.

Certain donors are cancelling their financial contributions. This shows such donations are not given with impartial intent, but rather to further certain interests. This is troubling as a potential betrayal of the university to represent broadly the diverse interests of society. Hans Smits, Edmonton