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Sranrorp University SCHOOL OF MEDICINE , May 19, 1970
Department of Genetics ;

Dr. Charles J. Hitch
President

University of California
Berkeley, California 94720

Dear Dr. Hitch,

Your letter of May 13 concerning the conferral by the Regents of
the University of California of an honorary degree should have been a
source of unmixed gratification. Indeed, I must acknowledge my thanks
to you and for the efforts and good opinions of my academic colleagues.

I could not, however, accept such an award from the Board of Regents
without taking note of my profound disquiet over many of its recent actions
that constitute a dangerous intrusion of political considerations into
academic functions. I have in mind especially the action of the Board
in overruling a faculty recommendation for an honorary degree to Mayor
Lindsay; and its more recent action in overriding your own authority
with respect to a faculty appointment.

It is not my wish, however, to contribute further to the politicization
of academic life by a public response in kind on my own part. Furthermore,
I realize that these issues have many more complexities than I could properly
deal with in any brief unilateral statement. An outsider also has a grave
responsibility not to add further provocations to an already factious.situation.

The best solution to my personal problem, still consistent, I believe,
with the best interests of the University, is to request that the Regents
withdraw or defer the proposed award. It is my intention to keep this
matter as private as it is in my power to do, and I passionately look
forward to the time when an honor of this kind can be a subject of joy
without ambiguity.

Sincerely yours,

UC /s F yosnua wecerpers
( rofessor of Genetics
Sum C 4 70

ce: Chancellor Lee
JL/rr

LT. J. P. KENNEDY, JR. LABORATORIES FOR MOLECULAR MEDICINE, DEDICATED TO RESEARCH IN MENTAL RETARDATION

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY HEREDITY NEUROBIOLOGY DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE