To the editor:

The art museum of Kansas University has always been very important to me. As a student in the ’60s, it was a refuge from daily stress, and later, the “new” Spencer Museum of Art has become a source of pride and enjoyment whenever I return to Lawrence.

Upon my arrival for my current visit, the headline in your newspaper announcing the firing of director Andrea Norris was a shock. The reasons for this action remain disturbingly unclear. A museum director cannot please everyone; indeed, should not.

Over the years I have enjoyed a variety of exhibitions, the quality and diversity of which have continuously increased. I also receive the museum bulletin and am always impressed by the many generous donations to the museum and by the variety of activities offered to the university community.

Andrea Norris’ 16-year record of service as director of the Spencer does not deserve the way her dismissal was handled by university officials. On the contrary, their actions not only beg questions regarding procedure but also result in rumors and gossip that, in my opinion, could be damaging to Ms. Norris and to the university.

As a friend of the Spencer and of the university, I find this a cause for very deep concern.

Robert Hiller,

Stuttgart, Germany