University of Missouri

University Communications

Spectrum

Volume 34, Number 5, October 2007

Curators adopt resolution supporting academic freedom

The UM Board of Curators adopted a resolution at its bimonthly meeting Oct. 4-5 in Columbia, Mo., supporting academic freedom and intellectual inquiry and lending their support to a statement released by UM Interim President Gordon H. Lamb in September regarding a proposed state constitutional amendment.

In the resolution offered by Curator Judith Haggard, the Board recognized the University for promoting the common good through the conduct of enlightened teaching, world-class research, devoted service to humanity and respect for intellectual diversity.

The resolution also said the University is fortunate to have a faculty composed of distinguished teachers and researchers whose achievements in the pursuit of knowledge and inquiry are admired and respected throughout the world.

The resolution comes after Lamb released a statement opposing the proposed anti-research constitutional amendment known as Cures without Cloning. In the statement, Lamb said research being done at the University is a small but critical part of life sciences research that has the potential to extend life for people who have serious life-threatening diseases.

He said research must have protection “from the few who, seeking to reinforce their own personal biases, would shut down research done by highly competent and dedicated scientists.” Since his statement, UM chancellors on all four campuses and the Intercampus Faculty Council have adopted resolutions supporting the statement.

“I think Dr. Lamb has spoken eloquently about these freedoms, and the chancellors of the four campuses have joined in his support of academic and research freedoms that are so, so important to this University. I think we need to add our voice of support so the state of Missouri knows how this University feels in regards to academic freedoms and research freedoms,” said Curator Bo Fraser during discussion of the resolution at the board meeting. “This is an issue that is fundamentally important to this University.”

The resolution passed on a 6-to-1 vote. Curators John Carnahan and David Wasinger abstained while Curator Doug Russell voted against the resolution. Russell and Wasinger expressed concerns about involving the University in controversial political matters.

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