To the editor:

KU Provost David Shulenburger is absolutely correct to say that the evolution debate is going to hurt recruitment at Kansas University. I am writing to you as a successful post doctoral researcher with publications in several high-impact journals. I am currently in the process of looking for a position in academia.

I recognize that Kansas University is an excellent university with top-notch students and facilities, but I really can’t see myself or many others choosing careers in Kansas. This is not a hypothetical; my colleagues and I have actually had these discussions.

It’s not as simple as whether or not scientists will apply for these positions; it is also a question of whether Kansas could win a recruiting battle with a university of similar size and quality. Probably not. Those of us with families must make tough decisions about the environments in which our spouses will work and our children will attend school. Fair or not, Kansas does not look good in this regard.

Kansas school board member Kathy Martin dismissed the provost’s statements and made the comment that, “I don’t think it’s that big of a deal except in certain circles.” Unfortunately, one of those “certain circles” is highly qualified scientists.

Ben Holt,

University of North Carolina,

Chapel Hill