Unable to Reach Consensus, Regents Delay Tobacco Funding Vote

Source from:  BY Tamara Bartlett Daily Cal Staff Writer Thursday, July 19, 2007 07/23/2007

The UC Board of Regents postponed its decision at yesterday's meeting on a policy regarding funding from the tobacco industry because it could not come to a consensus on the issue. The regents, who are meeting at UC Santa Barbara this week, delayed voting on the policy until the board's September meeting. The policy, which was proposed by Regent John Moores, recommends that the university decline all new funding from tobacco companies or agencies working on behalf of the industry unless the funding is unrelated to research on tobacco's health effects and the promotion, use or regulation of tobacco. During the discussion at the meeting, Sharon Eubanks, former director and lead counsel for the Tobacco Litigation Team in the U.S. Department of Justice, advocated that the university impose the ban on the funds. Eubanks cited the university's obligation to support proper health practices among her arguments. "Academic freedom by whatever definition you may apply must coexist with academic responsibility. The university has obligations … to adopt a policy that protects health," she said. A policy similar to the regents' item was opposed by the Assembly of the Academic Senate in May. If passed, that proposal would have prohibited the university from accepting any funding from tobacco companies, but some said they felt that it would infringe on academic freedom.. Several regents said faculty and researchers should be able to decide for themselves whether to receive funding from the industry. "I think (the Academic Senate) has the ability to self-govern," said UC Regent Sherry Lansing. "Let us remember they don't have to take the money-everyone has the free choice on whether or not to take it." UC President Robert Dynes said that, while neither side stands in support of the tobacco industry, there are two viable sides to the debate. "As I've thought hard about this issue (and) consulted with the faculty and administration, I've heard no one in support of the tobacco industry," Dynes said. "What I have heard over and over again is that research, honest fundamental research aimed in areas the university chooses to go, generates knowledge that is used for benefit. On the other hand, I don't dispute that the tobacco industry has cherrypicked and cited research that is to their advantage." A number of regents also proposed letting certain campus divisions and departments choose to accept or reject the funding and later deliver reports to the regents about their activities. "I think that the regents will want some notice if they so choose in the ability to know about tobacco money for research," said UC Regent Richard Blum. Dynes said he sees the board heading toward compromise. "We're getting there, but we're not there (yet)," he said. Tamara Bartlett is an assistant news editor. Contact her at tbartlett@dailycal.org. Enditem