I am writing this letter to clarify the events that took place this past week concerning the release of information dealing with the mishandling of nuclear materials at Penn State.

First, I would like to point out that the press conference was not USG alone:

Jennifer Morris of the Office Workers Organizing Committee also took part to speak for the concerns of the Office Workers, who like students, take part in the daily life of this University.

And Dr. Judith Johnsrud, a noted environmentalist specializing in the handling of nuclear materials, asked us to release her statement though she could not attend.

I should also point out that the USG executives took this opportunity to voice unqualified support for the Office Workers unionization efforts and wholeheartedly endorsed the proposed office workers union.

Many things were said in the wake of our press conference. We received calls from community members thanking us for releasing this information -- and requests that we continue our efforts.

From the administration's Public Information Office, we received remarks terming our release, "another USG publicity stunt."

Generally speaking, as USG's Public Information Officer, over the past year we have refrained from responding to these comments, but to this I must respond.

We do not hold our press conferences with an eye toward enhancing our image; we do not and have not held them to hear ourselves speak.

We do it because we believe, without reservation, that our constituents and the public as a whole, have a right to know what's going on.

We do not believe in the administration's desire to withhold the truth -- their rights should not be placed above those of the community's.

Why do we have to say at press conferences what the University should freely point out itself? Is the information contained in it false?

Terming it a publicity stunt does not change the facts. I gain nothing personally from doing this, Mr. Mahon.

I simply believe that people should know the risks that they are exposed to.

That's what's important.

I sincerely hope that the administration will live up to the safety standards for handling these materials, nuclear, chemical, or otherwise and follow the standards set by the NRC, OSHA, EPA and DOT.

Otherwise Mr. Mahon, you may find that you've got something a hell of a lot more serious to worry about than a "publicity stunt."