Dear Editor,

Re: "Trent urged to explain role in DNA Cluster plan" (Oct. 20)

Many are concerned with the lack of transparency regarding Trent University's involvement in the DNA Cluster. Because Ontario universities are exempt from Freedom of Information legislation (FOI) no substantive or meaningful information is disclosed to the public. We get glossy literature full of exciting pictures and titillating buzz-words and phrases like "cluster", "vision", "the right stuff", but no business plan, no cost/benefit analysis.

In response to concerns that many feel they are being kept in the dark about the project, Vice-President Susan Apostle-Clark "insisted most information should be in the public domain, adding five reports on the topic have gone to senate, as well as seven to the board of governors." Is the Vice-President not aware the university is exempt from FOI and that senate and board reports are not in the public domain unless the University elects to disclose them?

Some partners in this project are subject to FOI and may be compelled to disclose details (e.g.: Ministry of Natural Resources, Fleming College and the City of Peterborough). Perhaps, in the public interest, the Examiner will follow up with official FOI requests?

Only with the disclosure of detailed information will interested parties be enabled to independently evaluate the project upon its merits and its alleged benefits to Trent and the broader community. In the absence of full disclosure and accountability no public funds should be committed to this project.

Ken Brown
Bolivar Street