Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Editorial: Stem cell research resolution cause for concern
By Editorial Board
The Maneater, U. Missouri
March 31, 2009

Members of the Missouri House proposed a resolution last week that should be cause for concern for the entire state and especially the university. The proposed resolution asks Missourians to vote on whether to prevent public funds from being used in connection with abortion services and embryonic stem cell research.

The resolution's 60 co-sponsors, seek to essentially undo Amendment 2, which Missouri voters narrowly passed in 2006.

Although we have problems with the proposed resolution as a whole, the language used is deceptive and insulting. Lumping abortion in with stem cell research and using incendiary language such as "cloning" are scare tactics and insulting to the intelligence of voters.

Even though we understand that some taxpayers are uncomfortable with their money being directed toward stem cell research, it's important to take time to completely understand the issues and the implications it has for the state as a whole, not to mention its universities. Research is an important element of education, especially at such a large research facility like MU. The more we tie the hands of researchers with overly regulated policy, the more likely we are to lose them and the valuable information and knowledge that comes from their time and energy.

Creating a hostile environment for progressive research is just going to deter potential researchers -- both faculty and students -- and it's not as if the University of Missouri is attracting too many qualified and dedicated faculty members. Having a statewide ban on this funding creates a poor environment for research and reflects badly on the university.

It's important for legislators to understand how much this bill could tie the hands of the university and its credibility. Preventing any and all taxpayer money from being used to fund research of this nature would effectively and essentially eliminate it from the entire campus.
Legislators need to have the best interests in regards to the progression of the state and its universities in mind when they are examining this resolution; lowering our appeal to talented faculty and staff, as well as removing MU from competing in this expanding and progressive research, would be hugely detrimental for the state as a whole.

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