On Sept. 30, funding will stop for Brandeis' Andrei Sakharov Archives, located in the University library. The archives - an important collection of documents by Russian physicist turned dissident and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Andrei Sakharov - are in danger of being shut down, making the fate of this important collection unknown.Congress approved a grant, which was signed by President Bush, for the $1.5 million needed in order to continue the upkeep of Sakharov's works at Brandeis, but as of yet the Appropriations Committee has not ordered the transfer of money to the Archives.

As a campus that prides itself on social activism, it is critical that Brandeis steps up and funds the archives during this interim period. These archives are a part of Brandeis, and should be protected and maintained as a resource and a symbol that inspires people, not only on this campus, but also around the world.

A public critic of the Soviet Union in the 1960s and 70s, Sakharov was a figure who exemplified the importance of and vital need for activism. His works should be properly preserved, and should remain accessible as a testament to the power of action.

The University should demonstrate that we value these archives and the message that they represent by providing temporary monetary support to a collection that should neither be ignored nor forgotten.