Message from OSU President

Thursday, December 3, 2009

OSU Faculty and Staff,

There has been much discussion and understandable concern regarding the decision not to participate in research that would have involved euthanizing non-human primates.   The news stories have unfortunately led to misimpressions about the bases for the decision and I have written an op-ed letter that should run in state and local newspapers Friday briefly explaining the process.  It was a difficult decision and one made after much dialogue and careful review.  I have provided a copy of the letter below.

I want you to know, this decision has no impact on other research at OSU, including the important animal research we are doing. After weighing many opinions and factors, I made the decision I firmly believe is in the best interests of Oklahoma State University.

Burns Hargis

 

Op-Ed by Burns Hargis, President, Oklahoma State University

There have been many questions asked about our decision not to participate as a collaborator on a research project regarding the effect of lethal pathogens on non-human primates. The decision is controversial.  It has been suggested that this decision was reached arbitrarily and it was influenced by animal rights activists as well as a donor.   Nothing could be further from the truth.

This decision was made after extensive consultations with experts including scientists from other research institutes and university Presidents. I also considered the decision of the OSU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee composed of faculty members and staff.  And, I received valuable input from OSU's Vice President of Research and Technology, Dr. Stephen McKeever.  Clearly, this decision was not arbitrary nor was it influenced by anyone other than those consulted.

I wish I could tell you everything I learned in the process that influenced my decision.  But here are some key facts which have been overlooked:

OSU would be a subcontractor. The lead investigator is on the east coast near bio-safety labs capable of partnering with him, but he instead chose OSU.
This research project would involve as many as 124 baboons.
Contrary to reports, no contract has been written or awarded, nor has OSU received any funding for it.
The financial impact to OSU would have been minor and OSU’s role would have been limited, using our labs to inject the lethal pathogens and toxins into the baboons and then to euthanize them.
OSU has never been involved in euthanizing non-human primates. 
OSU's distinguished Vice President of Research, Stephen McKeever, agrees with the decision to not participate in this project.
OSU already has an active research program involving lethal pathogens in conjunction with bioterrorism, and these efforts will continue. 

I fully appreciate the difficult issues, as well as the many benefits, pertaining to animal research consistent with the highest ethical standards in developing new treatments for animal and human diseases.  The benefits of such work for society are enormous and OSU will continue to be involved in animal research.  

OSU enjoys a long and respected research program in evaluating the detection, effects and countermeasures of biological agents that could be used as weapons of terror against our country.  That vital work continues and I am proud of OSU’s research teams. 

I regret that this current situation has been sensationalized by some who disagree with my decision.  After an exhaustive evaluation, weighing scientific merit and other pertinent factors, I made the decision I firmly believe is in the best interests of Oklahoma State University.