The letter below (published in today's C-L) should be passed along to the governor, legislative committees, legislature, IHL, etc.  Thomas Bonner is an immensely respected name in the study of American literature, having made significant contributions to the study of Kate Chopin in particular.  The cause is receiving support from some pretty notable people.

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May 9, 2004

Thames damaged state's reputation

The Clarion-Ledger has received much correspondence objecting to University of Southern Mississippi President Shelby Thames' unwarranted suspension of professors Frank Glamser and Gary Stringer. The suspension is one that grows in complexity and ramifications the longer one thinks about it.

Not only is the well-being of the professors and the university community at stake, but the reputation of Mississippi in higher education.

The state has worked hard to build respected institutions and programs , often in the face of bitter regional prejudices.

President Thames' decision has damaged the hard-won reputation of Mississippi in this area.

It is important to provide adequate remedies to prevent further damage and possible destruction of what has taken so many years and resources to build.

Thomas Bonner Jr.
Kellogg Professor and Chair
Department of English
Xavier University of Louisiana
New Orleans, La.