Stanford Auditor

Some readers may be confused about Stanford’s efforts to have Paul Biddle reassigned from his government post at Stanford on the grounds that he has an unlawful conflict of interest (“Transfer of Stanford Case Auditor Urged,” Part A, Dec. 20). Let me explain.

Biddle’s conflict is simple and dramatic: He has filed a lawsuit against Stanford for millions of dollars while he continues to be the government officer overseeing Stanford’s federal contracts and grants.

In his official position, Biddle makes decisions daily on matters related to Stanford’s performance as a contractor. These decisions directly affect the issues in dispute in Biddle’s lawsuit. That means that Biddle has a powerful personal incentive to use his official position to decide matters against Stanford and to further his interests in the lawsuit.

Federal law provides that no government employee can serve in a post in which he has a conflict of interest. Stanford has provided to the Navy, to the Office of Government Ethics and to Congress full documentation of Biddle’s conflict.

Biddle can be reassigned to a post of equivalent rank or he can be promoted, but he ought not to remain in a position where he can exercise his official responsibilities so as to further his personal financial interests at Stanford’s expense.

Stanford is already deep into a reform effort to correct any accounting deficiencies. As Stanford earnestly strives to resolve outstanding issues in a manner equitable both to the taxpayers and to the university, the university has a right to be served by a government contracting officer who is fair and impartial--that’s what the law requires.

LARRY HORTON, Associate Vice President for Public Affairs, Stanford University