To the editor:
Recently Sen. Pat Roberts “earmarked” $1.5 million exclusively to jumpstart work on the South Lawrence Trafficway. The Federal Highway Administration is required to investigate and take comments on various routes before the money can be spent. As executive director of Save the Wakarusa Wetlands, I would like to challenge every student, faculty member and administrator on the Baker University campus to take a second look at the so-called 32nd Street SLT proposal. How many of you have actually listened closely to any views other than the official university position?
We are all very busy, especially at this time in the semester. It is convenient and painless to presume that Dr. Boyd is the authority, that his voice is the only one with anything of value to say about whether Baker is taking an ethical and environmentally appropriate course. Most of you know in your hearts something is sadly wrong with this approach to knowing an issue that has drawn so much controversy. To remain a respected place of learning, Baker University must do more to encourage open minds.
It is fair to say, however, the Baker community’s ears and eyes have been largely shut. Few have listened to Native American objections to this plan to build eight lanes of highway across the north end of land many consider sacred. Fewer still have any accurate idea of why this wetland is considered an integral part of the sense of Haskell Indian Nations University’s history. To most, if they know anything at all, it is simply the area was once “farmed” by Haskell students. Such ignorance is a shame on a college campus that now claims ownership of this wetland. Listening to more than one side before forming an opinion is fundamental to academic freedom. It is also the cornerstone of our system of justice.
Those of us who believe paving this wetland is the epitome of environmental injustice would like to challenge Dr. Boyd – or any other spokesperson for the official Baker position – to a debate or forum on campus. If this is not possible, perhaps there is at least one campus organization with the courage to sponsor a talk in which the Baker community can actually have an opportunity to hear a different voice and ask questions that are honestly answered by someone not beholden to the administration?
Michael Caron
Executive Director
Save the Wakarusa
Wetlands, Inc.
785-842-6293
315 Park Hill Terrace
Lawrence, Kan. 66046