Faculty members at the University of Texas are objecting to plans to create an endowed chair in Pakistan studies in honor of former U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson, the colorful Democrat who was portrayed in last year's movie "Charlie Wilson's War."

Wilson represented an East Texas district in the U.S. Congress from 1973 to 1996.

He played a pivotal role in the funding of Islamic rebel fighters who opposed Soviet-occupied Afghanistan. His efforts were portrayed in the film.

In a letter to Randy Diehl, dean of UT's College of Liberal Arts, 12 professors wrote that establishing a chair in Wilson's name would represent a "romanticized vision" of the congressman's legacy as well as the history of the conflict.

UT officials have said they want to raise $500,000 to match an identical amount pledged by the T.L.L. Temple Foundation in Lufkin, Wilson's hometown.