The recent attacks on animal researchers in Santa Cruz have refocused attention on a bill aimed at protecting academic freedom.
Assembly Bill 2296 would make it easier for police to cite individuals for trespassing and makes it a crime to post personal information of a researcher with the intent to incite violence.
The Aug. 2 attacks included firebombings of a car and a researcher's home in Santa Cruz. In the latter case, the family was forced to flee the house through a second-story window.
"The most recent attacks brought to everybody's attention that there are real concerns about the safety of academic researchers," said Assemblyman Gene Mullin, D-South San Francisco. Mullin wrote the bill with input from the University of California and other universities in the state.
Dr. M.R.C. Greenwood, former UC provost and a professor of nutrition at UC Davis, said the measure is a positive step.
"We need a significant national coalition among scientists and others to try to get these acts recognized for the criminal acts that they are, provide the investigators with the tools they need to investigate them, and prosecute them to the full extent of the law," she said.
A stack of leaflets left in a Santa Cruz cafe about three days before the attacks listed the names, photos and personal details of 13 faculty members who did "animal research," though some of the information was incorrect.
The American Civil Liberties Union and the Humane Society originally opposed the bill, citing free speech concerns, among others. But both groups are now neutral due to recent amendments, leaving the bill with no stated opposition. Passed by the Assembly in May, the bill is pending in the Senate.
Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto,whose district includes Santa Cruz, is carrying the bill in the Senate.
"There can and should be a vigorous debate about animal research. That debate, however, cannot be allowed to degenerate into physical violence," he said. "At some point we understand that not all forms of speech are protected, particularly in the case of speech that has the potential to threaten the physical safety of the public."
Call Daniel Zarchy, Bee Capitol Bureau, (916) 321-1203.
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