April 30, 1999

David P. Roselle, President
University of Delaware
104A Hullihen Hall

Dear President Roselle:

Two months ago, the Delaware Association of Scholars wrote to you with a question. In a survey of the University's faculty, DAS had found that a vast majority of the faculty believes that the University grants race, sex, and ethnic preferences in faculty employment and student admission. In its letter, DAS, which believes in the principle of nondiscrimination, asked whether the University does, in fact, treat members of different races and sexes differently in employment decisions or student admissions, as most of the faculty believe.

Although you, like any university president, normally answer questions from faculty, in this instance, instead of answering our letter, you issued a press release (Update, 3/4/99, p.1). And although you claimed that your comments were "quite straight-forward," your press release managed to avoid answering or even addressing our question. We therefore write to you again in the hope that you will answer our question.

The AAUP, which explicitly urges such race and sex preferences, has strongly criticized DAS for conducting the survey and asking the question. Clearly, the AAUP does not want this issue discussed. But the faculty must wonder why the administration refuses to answer whether the University treats different races differently. The question is perfectly legitimate. It is hard to believe that you would refuse to answer the question unless the administration had something to hide.

Thank you very much. We look forward to your answer.

Sincerely,

Linda S. Gottfredson
President

cc: Trustees
      Faculty and administrators