June 19 , 2002

Dr. Anthony James Catanese
President
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Dear President Catanese:

I write regarding the decision to establish at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) the Kenan Evren Eminent Scholar Chair in Turkish Studies. This decision to create a scholarly chair in honor of a Turkish dictator, self-proclaimed president and aggressor is the subject of the enclosed letter from the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) to Florida Governor Jeb Bush. I ask that you review the facts and reverse the decision to have such a chair named after General Evren.

I am also concerned over the terms of reference of this chair. Specifically, I would be interested in knowing which parties would control the agenda of this scholarly chair. Would the activities of this chair be dictated by the Turkish government, or would the agenda be purely academic and under the complete control of non-political professors at FAU? Also, what is the source of the $600,000 in "private funds" donated for this chair.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please let me know. 

I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

[Signed],

Gene Rossides