To the Editor:

This is re: "Conflict threatens academic freedom," William I. Robinson's May 31 guest commentary.

On Feb. 9, the Anti-Defamation League sent a letter to Professor Robinson after being contacted by a student from one of his classes. The student was concerned about an e-mail the professor sent to his Global Studies Class on Jan. 1 titled "Parallel Images of Nazi's and Israeli's."

In addition to a series of photographs comparing Gaza to the Warsaw Ghetto, Professor Robinson wrote a lengthy anti-Israel diatribe about the situation in Gaza. We believe the tone and extreme views he presented were intimidating to students. It also was apparent his e-mail was not related to his course, which focused on Latin America.

Our letter clearly stated that we recognize Professor Robinson's right to academic freedom and free speech. Protecting free speech is one of the cornerstones of ADL's mission. We also stated our concern that he may have violated Faculty Codes of Conduct by sending an e-mail to his students that was unrelated to the course.

The ADL does not condemn those who disagree with us on Israel, and we surely do not stifle debate. We never called for action against Professor Robinson.

The issue is not academic freedom. We believe the issue is one of intimidation of students and the abuse of university communications to promote one's personal opinion. It is extremely unfortunate for the university and the Santa Barbara community that Professor Robinson continues to wage this battle in the press with so much misinformation.