Area in Peru not dangerous area

To the editor:

I very much appreciated the coverage provided by Bob Miller in his article on the student going to Peru as part of our project this summer. However, it was inaccurate and potentially harmful to our efforts to characterize the region where he will be working as a "dangerous area." Going on to say "The area where Carver will be working is a dangerous 'guerrilla zone' where thugs have been known to kidnap Americans and hold them hostage for money" is unwarranted and is simply bad reporting.

U.S. State Department information on safety in Peru clearly defines the provinces where there is potential risk. Miller did not ask me and appears not to have done adequate homework about exactly where there was risk. Let me assure you that we would not schedule students for a field experience in an area known to be hazardous.

RICK CARLTON

Grand Valley State University

Grand Rapids, Mich.