I have concerns regarding Harrison Houlihan’s letter of September 19, 2014. Even though I have questions with the earlier portions of his letter, it is only when he writes about the events of the 9/11 candlelight vigil that I pause to offer these comments. When Harrison offers his comments about the professor, especially the phrase “drunken diatribe,” I believe he crossed the line. I was at the vigil, arriving late, and I will attest that the said professor was not drunk. I talked with the professor several minutes following the vigil, and there was no evidence that he was drunk.

By making such a statement, Harrison may have created unanticipated consequences for the professor.  He may well disagree with statements made by the professor, but he has no right to make such an unfounded accusation against the professor.  I hope he will retract his “drunken diatribe” statement and work to make amends.