William Cunningham, the ethically challenged Chancellor of the University of Texas, won't talk to anybody who might ask a hard question about his relationship with New Orleans-based Freeport-McMoRan.

So we thought that you, dear readers, might want to talk to him. You may even want to ask him a few questions. Here are a few suggestions:

* Why won't you talk to the media?

* Why do you sit on Freeport's board?

* Does the University benefit from your association with Freeport? How?

* In 1990, you said you would not "permit [yourself] to be involved" in any project that would "endanger or damage the environment." However, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation has said that Freeport's mining project in Irian Jaya "continues to pose unreasonable or major environmental" hazards. Doesn't this mean you should resign from Freeport's board?

* Do the recent reports about killing and torture in and around Freeport's mine in Irian Jaya bother you?

* Have you discussed the killings with Freeport officials or the Indonesian government? What did you say?

* What have you done to assure that no more human rights violations will occur in the region?

* Who is your favorite Beatle?

So, those are a few questions. Of course, you may want to ask your own. You can contact the Chancellor at the following numbers: Bauer House (the Chancellor's official residence), 499-0488; Office, 499-4201; Office fax, 499-4215. n