Telescope project needs more study
I was delighted to see coverage of the rally opposing OSU’s involvement in the Mount Graham telescope project. However, this joy quickly faded to disappointment when I read the official statement of OSU officials. Patrick Osmer, chair of the astronomy department, stated that “The university has looked into the issue (of human rights and environmental concerns), and we found that the project has been very well carried out.” This act of looking into the issue actually means hiring a public relations firm to do a study that would promote the telescope project. No impartial research has been done on the project by OSU. No OSU officials have visited the San Carlos Apache reservation and asked about the sacredness of Mount Graham. No OSU biology or anthropology professors have been asked for their opinions. No complete environmental studies have been done. Why, you ask?No environmental studies have been done because a rider was passed in Congress that considered relevant environmental studies “deemed satisfied.” Dr. Osmer contends that this does not mean exempt. This is equivalent to taking an introductory physics class, receiving a Ph.D. from OSU because the requirements were “deemed satisfied,” and then saying you did the necessary course work. No cultural studies have been done because the lawyers of telescope proponents claim the cultural laws are also exempt. The failure to follow the laws of the United States and to avoid normal academic discourse undermines the integrity of both this project and the university. Until project proponents follow the guidelines of the law and of normal academic discourse, I urge the university to oppose continuing involvement in this project.
Evan PickfordJunior, environmental engineering
