NASHVILLE (AP) - A group of 45 Belmont University faculty members has published a letter in the student newspaper opposing the torture of detainees, shortly after former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales was hired as a distinguished chair and professor in the College of Law.

Gonzales is not mentioned by name in the letter, but he resigned as attorney general in 2007 amid criticism that included accusations that he had authorized the torture of terrorism suspects.

"We stand against the use of torture," the letter printed online Friday at belmontvision.com reads. "We also stand against the narrowing of the definition of torture so as to make its prohibition meaningless."

The letter goes on to express opposition to the "the indiscriminate and hasty use of the death penalty" and says the group stands for "the importance of upholding the United States Constitution, the laws of the United States, and the provisions of all treaties to w hich we are a party."

The letter says the signatories "intend to support opportunities to discuss the issues presented in this document" through speakers, discussions and events.

A response from Provost Thomas Burns that was printed on The Belmont Vision's website on Monday notes that the faculty letter represents the personal opinions of a small group of people.

Burns says the Christian university supports the free exchange of ideas and encourages thoughtful and respectful discussion.

"The Belmont community includes 6,400 students and nearly 1,500 employees representing a wide spectrum of perspectives on issues," Burns' response states. "We value all of their opinions."