May 23, 2001
UW condemns arson as misguided act that destroyed ecosystem research
The following statement was issued today by University of Washington Provost Lee L. Huntsman.
“The University of Washington condemns this senseless act of arson that has destroyed decades of scientific inquiry aimed at improving the overall health of urban ecosystems. This misguided act has set back research concerning endangered plants in Washington, rehabilitation of degraded wetlands and even assistance for home gardeners. It is a vicious blow to some very gifted and dedicated faculty and students at the University of Washington. We abhor the violence and destructiveness of this act, and the potential risk to human safety. We hope the perpetrators are found and brought to justice.
“In the meantime, we will begin the process immediately of rebuilding our center and continuing the important work of our faculty and students.”
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