Box 18, Folder 21, Document 36

Box 18, Folder 21, Document 36

ATLANTA UNIVERSITY
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30314

July 10, 1967 o\

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES y

Mr. Eugene Patterson, Editor |
Atlanta Constitution :
10 Forsyth Street Building |
Atlanta, Georgia

Dear Mr. Patterson:

Mr. Coffin's article in Monday, July 10, 1967, Constitution contains
unfounded speculation concerning my desires in connection with the
‘selection of a new EOA Director. -

There is no objection to the mentioning of my name as a possible<
candidate, but Mr. Coffin goes beyond the bounds of reasonable judge-
ment and speculation when he indicates that I "apparently want the job."
The record will show that my former appointment to the program was made
prior to any formal application and was accepted by me only after
pressure from the Negro community was exerted.

Many people, including some whites, have inquired about my avail~
ability for the position with EOA and all have received a negative
reply. It would have been an easy matter for Mr. Coffin to check with
me before writing the news release. Indeed, the article gives the
impression of exceeding comment and analysis; it is dangerously close
to attempting to influence what happens.

I would appreciate having my feelings expressed accurately or
having this letter published in your newspaper.

Sincerely yours,

Tilman C. Cothran, Chairman
Department of Sociology

TCG: BK

cc: Mr. Alex Coffin, Reporter
Atlanta Constitution

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