*That I happen to know.
I appreciate your words that I’ve cultivated a welcoming and tolerant environment at Chapman. My strong belief is that this is best continued by not seeking media coverage about the National Organization for Marriage issue. Of course, that decision is entirely with you; and I respect your freedom to act as you think best.
I don’t perceive there has been any misappropriation of the name and reputation of Chapman University or our law school. Professor Eastman does not purport to speak for Chapman; and no one has claimed that he does.
So the issue, it seems to me, comes down to whether Chapman University or the law school, can fairly be viewed as embracing the tenets of the National Organization for Marriage just because there has been no official statement critical of Professor Eastman’s becoming their chairman.
That would be a grossly inaccurate inference.
If, however, Chapman University or the law school, issues a statement, it will give much greater attention to this issue, including the focus of that percentage of observers who will make the incorrect assumption that Professor Eastman’s decision somehow characterizes Chapman.
Our law school’s staff, faculty and student body have varying opinions on these issues. In my own case, as you might know, I’ve spoken on this issue consistently and publicly throughout my time in public service, and running for public office, including in the midst of the political campaign about Proposition 8, the Knight Initiative that preceded it, and my own campaign of 2010. But I truly believe my personal view is irrelevant. So also is Professor Eastman’s view.
I repeat that I sincerely appreciate your sending me your email, and I would be very happy to receive your further thoughts on this as you might wish.
Respectfully,
Tom Campbell
Dean
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