| May 27, 2010 |  |
UVa Will Fight Cuccinelli's Misguided Investigation of Climate Scientist
WASHINGTON (May 27, 2010) — The University of Virginia is standing up for scientists and academic freedom by seeking the dismissal of Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's investigation of climate scientist Michael Mann, according the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). The university today petitioned a Virginia circuit court to set aside the attorney general's civil investigative demand.
"Academic freedom," the university's petition noted, "is essential to the mission of our nation's institutions of higher learning and a core First Amendment concern." The university contended that Cuccinelli's investigation's "sweeping scope is certain to send a chill through the commonwealth's colleges and universities." The university also called the investigation "unprecedented" and argued that it does not meet the requirements of the Virginia Fraud Against Taxpayers Act, which Cuccinelli invoked to justify his broad request for documents.
Today, UCS released an updated letter signed by more than 900 Virginia scientists and academics, urging Cuccinelli to drop his investigation. Additionally, UCS has assembled a timeline of events related to the investigation and a backgrounder explaining why the investigation is misguided and dangerous.
Below is a statement by Francesca Grifo, director of UCS's Scientific Integrity Program:
"This investigation is a threat to scientific discoveries everywhere. The University of Virginia is right to stand up to this bullying and fight for the ability of scientists to do their best work. The university should have been encouraged by the broad outpouring of support from scientists and academics across the commonwealth. The court should now dismiss Cuccinelli's misguided subpoena.
"Scientists must be able to do their work free from political intimidation. Many of our nation's best scientific discoveries have happened when scientists took risks. Attorney General Cuccinelli's subpoena stifles the spirit of innovation that drives economic growth.
"The attorney general tries to justify that he is seeking the scientist's data to determine if the scientist engaged in fraud. In fact, the data are already available in the peer-reviewed journals where his research was published.
"Cuccinelli is disregarding Virginia scientists' right to do their work free from political interference. He is sending a message that he doesn't want scientists conducting research in areas that conflict with his personal beliefs. It appears he is more interested in scoring political points by attacking climate scientists than in upholding Virginia's reputation as a welcoming place for scientists to work. Virginians should be asking tough questions about his real agenda."
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
