SJWG Response to 2008 attacks on animal researchers at UCSC

The UCSC Science and Justice Working Group (SJWG) consists of faculty, staff, graduate students and concerned citizens from the Santa Cruz community committed to building cross-disciplinary dialogue among the natural and physical sciences, arts, engineering, humanities and social sciences. We experienced the attacks on UCSC employees and their families during the summer of 2008 as an attack on the fundamental principles and practices of science in an open society. Therefore, the SJWG condemns the attacks and all violent threats on individuals and communities of all kinds.

• Threats and attacks cause long-lasting damage to individuals, families, children, and communities.
• They alter the functioning of the University in a way that reduces opportunities for discussion, debate and fundamental dissent.
• They divert precious resources away from education and research.
• They work against the well-being of humans and animals by destroying the trust necessary for transparent experimental practices and accountable institutions.

We believe that universities should provide opportunities and environments for addressing controversial questions. These spaces will not always be comfortable, but they should ensure the well-being of all the participants. The SJWG has put substantial effort into building practices and approaches that can create these kinds of spaces. We call on others to join us in these efforts, and in so doing to oppose acts of violence against our community and our principles.