Perpetual motion machines, Orgone accumulators and N-rays are just a few of the sillier ideas that litter the attic of the history of science. More recently the cold-fusion claims of chemists Stanley Pons and Martin Fleischmann have brought ridicule upon their respective universities.

So too does Syracuse University open itself to derision for last year’s promotion of Dr. Douglas Biklen to the position of dean of the School of Education. His theories of facilitated communication have been widely criticized to the point where the American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association and the New York State Department of Health have all gone on record advising against the use of facilitated communication. Furthermore, the Commission for Scientific Medicine and Mental Health has expressed its criticism of Professor Biklen’s appointment. Can a man who so stubbornly refuses to address the objections of his critics be trusted to helm the School of Education? This concerns me as my son is a student in the school. I wonder what other questionable theories he might promote.

Brian MadiganSyracuse, N.Y.