UC seeks researcher protections
Assembly Bill 2296, sponsored by the University of California, aims to protect faculty and staff from the increasing campaign of violence and intimidation perpetrated by extremists.
The university supports the free-speech rights of activists to protest the use of animals in scientific and medical research. At the same time, UC believes legislative action is needed to protect employees and their families from escalating violence and threats at campuses throughout the state. Incidents of violence include bombings, arson, vandalism and harassment at both the researchers' workplaces and homes.
The bill, authored by Assemblymember Gene Mullin, D-San Mateo, was amended in the Assembly Judiciary Committee on April 23 and referred again to the Assembly Appropriations Committee and subsequently referred to the Assembly.
AB 2296 provides that no person or organization can knowingly post or display on the Internet the names, home addresses and phone numbers and images of anyone engaged in lawful use of animals for education or research - or anyone living in the same home - with the intent to incite great bodily harm or to threaten the person.
Animal research contributes significantly to medical breakthroughs including cancer treatments, vaccine development and organ transplants. UC faculty who use animals must comply with strict animal care protocols.