Allowing a Mideast Conference at Georgetown

Regarding the Feb. 12 Close to Home commentary by Eric Adler and Jack Langer ["Why Is Georgetown Providing a Platform for This Dangerous Group?"] about the student conference being held on the Georgetown University campus this weekend:

First, Georgetown prizes its commitment to free speech and expression. Georgetown student groups and faculty have the right to invite speakers and conferences to campus in accordance with the university's speech and expression policy. This does not mean that the university endorses any speakers or their views.

Second, federal law enforcement authorities assured the university that allegations that the conference host, the Palestine Solidarity Movement, is connected to terrorism are false.

Third, Georgetown faculty and administrators will monitor the conference to ensure that both conferees and protesters comply with the university's policy on speech and expression.

Mr. Alder and Mr. Langer also said that Georgetown refused to host a conference for America's Truth Forum. In fact, Georgetown had no role in that decision. Decisions about that conference were made by Marriott Corp., which operates an independent hotel and conference center on campus.

ERIK SMULSON

Assistant Vice President for Communications

Georgetown University

Washington