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Letter to President of MSU about Breedlove Response - 6 Jun 2008
6/6/08
Lou Anna K. Simon
Office of the President
Michigan State University
450 Administration Building
East Lansing, MI 48824-1046
President Simon,
I am contacting you today because I am in receipt of several pieces
of communication from the desk of Marc Breedlove, Chair of the Michigan
State University Institutional Care and Use Committee. I believe that
statements made by him are deliberately inaccurate and offensive. I hope
that you will take appropriate action to discipline Mr. Breedlove and
insure that a situation like this does not occur again.
As you know, Michigan State University received an Official Warning from
the USDA/APHIS/AC for violations of the Animal Welfare Act in September
of 2007 (attached). However, in correspondence to several concerned
citizens, Mr. Breedlove states that:
�The USDA did not find any violation of the Animal Welfare Act had
occurred.�
This statement is obviously, and I believe deliberately,
disingenuous. Additionally, as his correspondence closes Mr. Breedlove
goes on to say that:
�Donations to anti-research groups further the causes of terrorism,
deception and hate.�
As the director of an organization that is opposed to the use of
animals in research, I am offended by this highly inflammatory statement
and I insist that it be officially and publicly retracted. The
organization which I direct has never been involved in any activities
that could fall into these categories and I find these inferences
reprehensible and potentially actionable.
I believe that the statements made by Mr. Breedlove border on libel and
serve no purpose other than character assassination. Apparently he finds
it easier to vilify those who hold differing views than to admit the
wrongdoing that led to the issuance of the Official Warning by the USDA.
Michigan State University�s website makes several statements regarding
core values. The discussion of the core value of inclusiveness uses this
text:
�Inclusion is not limited to ensuring various constituencies are
accounted for, but rather is an overarching philosophy that starts with
a belief in the value of varying perspectives and a promise of mutual
respect.�
The statements made repeatedly by Mr. Breedlove clearly violate this
core principle and serve to represent Michigan State University in a
manner that is both reactionary and disrespectful. He has unmistakably
violated one of the three core values which MSU holds dear.
Therefore, I respectfully request that Mr. Breedlove be disciplined by
your office and that you issue an official statement condemning his
actions and retracting his statements.
Additionally, as you can see in the correspondence that I have sent to
Mr. Breedlove, I am officially requesting a tour of all Michigan State
University laboratories and animal use facilities as well as the
opportunity to examine all active animal research protocols, health care
records, and origination documents.
President Simon, Mr. Breedlove�s statements (though extremely
inappropriate) have presented us with the opportunity to begin a
dialogue that could change the face of the debate regarding animal
experimentation. If we exercise appropriate openness and cooperation we
can begin a dialogue which will lead to positive results for all parties
concerned with the issues which surround the use of animals in
experimentation. If we fail to take advantage of this opportunity, the
division over this issue will intensify.
I look forward to your response to this communication within 5 business
days.
With Respect For All Life,
Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T.,
Executive Director, SAEN
Please send your comments to MSU President Simon
Lou Anna K. Simon
Office of the President
Michigan State University
450 Administration Building
East Lansing, MI 48824-1046
E-mail:
[email protected]
Phone: 517/355-656 / Fax: 517/355-4670
See Also: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
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