Editor: I write regarding the recent controversy surrounding Wayne State University and the use of one of its Web sites to discuss the minimum wage campaign and also to tell Jim Barrett of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce to, frankly, chill out. In the Dec. 12 article, "WSU drops Web project after chamber protest," Barrett implied that raising the minimum wage "fosters an anti-business, anti-investment in job creation philosophy" and suggests Michigan universities should not foster a pro-labor position. I'm not sure if Barrett hasn't seen the facts regarding minimum wage or is just plain ignoring them. First, when more workers have more disposable income in their pockets after meeting their basic needs, more income is spent in local economies, by those patronizing and doing business with those very entities Barrett claims to represent; second, despite ongoing debates over the economic impact of increasing the minimum wage, recent research by the Economic Policy Institute indicates that the actual job losses due to the increases are minimal and are far outweighed by the benefits. Barrett also complains about WSU discussing the prevention of privatization on its Web site. Recent studies strongly suggest that privatization can lead to increased taxes on other businesses as long-term costs increase once private companies replace public workers. Reasonable people believe state universities exist for the purpose of discussion, studying and yes, forming conclusions about issues of the day. I can guess what the Eli Broad School of Business at Michigan State University , Steven M. Ross Business School at the University of Michigan and even the Wayne State University School of Business Administration teach and advocate about privatization and minimum wage. Universities are about academic freedom and ideas. I, for one, trust our universities to consider both sides. Barrett should too. Mark Gaffney President Michigan State AFL-CIO