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Institutions Speak Out Against Extremists
In the wake of a rash of vandalism and harassment from animal rights extremists, a number of organizations have issued public statements denouncing violence against those who conduct medical research with animals. These statements were made in the wake of a series of incidents during the past year and a half at the University of California and the Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU).
The University of California has been a focus of animal extremists who have targeted not only facilities, but also the homes and families of three UCLA faculty researchers. Most recently, vandals claiming to be members of the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) flooded the home of Edythe London, a researcher who is studying the effects of nicotine and methamphetamine addiction. In June, animal militants claimed credit for placing a lit firebomb that fortunately did not explode under the car of another faculty member. In August 2006, a vision researcher gave up his animal research program after extremists placed a Molotov cocktail at the doorstep of the home of an elderly woman, erroneously believing that it belonged to one of his colleagues.
OHSU has likewise been a frequent target of extremists, in part due to its National Primate Research Center, the source of promising and high profile research including the November 15, 2007 announcement of the first successful cloning of a primate embryonic stem cell. In July, “ALF Eyes on You” was painted on the garage door of one researcher. This act of vandalism was followed by a threat to firebomb his home. In December, Dr. Miles Novy, who works to reduce the risks of premature births, found “sadist” and “ALF” spay painted on his cars. These attacks follow years of harassment and nighttime protests at OHSU researchers’ homes.
On October 22, 2007 the Association of American Universities (AAU) issued a statement emphasizing the “vital role” animal research has played in “virtually every major biomedical advance of the last century.” The AAU went on to assert that while universities should “provide a forum for civil discourse” they also have an “obligation to protect faculty, staff members, and students from harassment, threats, and physical harm.”
On November 28, 2007 the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) issued a statement condemning violence, maintaining its longtime support for animal research, and calling on scientists and the public to rally together to defend targeted investigators “whose freedom to conduct research is under attack.”
On December 5, 2007, the Chancellors of the University of California (UC) issued a statement declaring the value of animal research and condemning the violence of animal rights extremists. The Chancellors’ Statement reaffirmed the invaluable role animal research plays in medical advancement and asserted the university’s dedication to “the highest standards of animal care, safety and health.” It also reiterated the University’s commitment to free speech as a cornerstone of an academic environment. The statement went on to say that, though “individuals are entitled … to mount First Amendment-protected protests” these escalated tactics “have crossed the line.”
December 18, 2007 the Council on Governmental Relations likewise issued a statement condemning violence. It went further to maintain “that the rights to free inquiry and expression within the boundaries of applicable laws, regulations and institutional policies are fundamental to academic freedom” and that “among these rights is the responsible and humane treatment and use of animals in research that continues to make vital contributions to the health and well being of humans and animals.”
Meanwhile, NIH Deputy Director for Extramural Research Norka Ruiz Bravo issued two statements in response to the increase in violence. The first was issued November 1, 2007 and the second on December 14, 2007. Ruiz Bravo defended the scientists who have come under attack and outlined the pressing need for their research. “Terrorist acts are absolutely intolerable,” Ruiz Bravo said, adding “threats to research with animals threaten the health of the nation.”
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