Bush Administration Apologizes For Censorship of Christina Hoff Sommers

I received an e-mail today from Charles Curie, who is the newly appointed administrator of the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The e-mail was in regard to my complaint about the treatment of Christina Hoff Sommers when she was invited to speak at a conference discussing the value of the "Girl Power" and "Boy Talk" programs. Hoff Sommers questioned the value of these programs, was shouted off the stage, and told to "shut the fuck up, bitch" by one Dr. Jay Wade, a professor who teaches a class in "listening skills." Mr. Curie was most apologetic, and has apologized to Hoff Sommers as well. Read his message to me by clicking Read More below.
Dear Mr. Hanback:



I am writing in response to your e-mail to President Bush, Health and
Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson, Alvera Stern, Ruth
Sanchez-Way, and me regarding a meeting convened by the Center for
Substance Abuse Prevention.



As the Bush Administration's newly appointed Administrator of the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in
HHS, I was appalled to learn about the disrespectful manner in which a
guest of SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) was
treated in a federally sponsored forum. No one should ever be censored
or silenced as was Dr. Christina Hoff Sommers. Immediately after
learning of the situation, I personally communicated my apology to Dr.
Sommers and conveyed my conviction that SAMHSA values open and honest
dialogue among people of diverse opinions. 



I have made it clear to the staff involved in the incident that I
expect them to treat all guests with dignity and respect, and ensure
comity among meeting participants. Corrective action is being taken in
this case. I will not tolerate disrespect of ideas, opinions, or values
in the conduct of SAMHSA activities. 



Sincerely,



Charles G. Curie, M.A., A.C.S.W.

Administrator, Substance Abuse and

Mental Health Services Administration

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