Cheney invite OK for most Y. faculty

In two opinion pieces, one in the Deseret Morning News (April 25) and the other in the Salt Lake Tribune (May 2) and also in comments made on various television and radio programs, professor Warner P. Woodworth has made strong statements concerning Vice President Dick Cheney's visit to Brigham Young University for spring commencement. Woodworth's continuing editorials and media appearances have prompted us to respond.

Woodworth's writings and media interviews do not represent the views of the Marriott School of Management.

There are approximately 130 full-time faculty in the Marriott School. During the days following Woodworth's opinion pieces and public statements, numerous faculty members expressed to us their disappointment that a colleague would make such comments regarding the vice president and the invitation extended by the Board of Trustees.

Although the Marriott School faculty includes Democrats and Republicans, self-described liberals and conservatives, we believe that there are few, if any, who are supportive of Woodworth's messages. BYU is a university that champions balanced and respectful political discourse among its faculty and students. Various political views are welcomed and encouraged. For example, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has accepted an invitation to speak at a campus forum this fall. Chief Justice John Roberts also has accepted an invitation to speak on campus in the coming months. Past visitors to the campus have included national and international political leaders as well as ambassadors and authors of many different political persuasions. We look forward to having other key world leaders visit our campus and express their views in an atmosphere of respect and civility.

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Ned C. Hill is the dean of the Marriott School of Management; W. Steve Albrecht and Michael P. Thompson are associate deans.