To the editor:

I am disappointed to learn that Kansas University has decided to close the exhibition space at its Museum of Anthropology. In this age of global conflict, fear and prejudice, understanding the common traits and bonds that join all of humanity is more essential now than ever before. Additionally, this museum has emphasized local cultural history, such as that of the original Native American inhabitants of this area. If we, as a presumably progressive university community, do not honor our local heritage, whom can we expect to do so?

I have volunteered time in the past to the anthropology museum during the university-wide Museum Day for youths in order to help broaden the horizons of our area children. I am greatly disappointed that the university administration has chosen to eliminate exhibition space, without which the anthropology museum cannot participate in this annual event. Elimination of public exhibition space deprives not only our children, but all our citizens, as well as visitors to this community, the opportunity to benefit from the facilities at the museum.

Perhaps the administration should have spent its resources improving (or at least not dismantling) important educational opportunities rather than hiring public relations staff at exorbitant salaries to convince us there is no problem with our university. Image over substance is a poor prioritization of values.

Ben Shult,

Lawrence