My academic experience in Golfito included interviewing and recording the life stories of Costa Rican fishermen, weekly trips to sustainable rural development projects, constructing a drum and learning the history of tropical rhythms, and filming a documentary on karaoke music. Many of my peers spent the semester studying plants and animals unique to this part of the world.

I arrived in Golfito shortly after the death of Shannon Martin. I never felt threatened or unsafe in any way, and my fellow students would surely say the same. In contrast, I was befriended by many local Golfitenos and generally felt embraced by the community.

Shannon Martin’s death was a terrible tragedy. However, it is not grounds for denying future students the opportunity to experience life in the town that she and I both enjoyed so much. Further, the implication by Martin’s mother, Jeanette Stauffer, that program director Oscar Quiros is somehow responsible for Martin’s death is entirely unfounded and unfair. Quiros has worked hard to create a unique academic experience for students he cares for very much.

I call on KU officials to reinstate the tropical studies program in Golfito, Costa Rica, and pledge financial support to those host families who stand to lose a principal part of their income until the program continues.

Thomas Fawcett,

Lawrence