Monsanto and SDSU raise concerns, lower alumnus’ contribution
James A. Dunning, class of 1964
It is with great sadness that I reduce my annual donation to the SDSU Foundation. Although my donations have never been large, they have been consistent. This decision has come after much thought about the relationship that SDSU has formed with the Monsanto Corporation. The great research talent of the faculty and students has been compromised with the addition of President Chicoine to the Monsanto Board of Directors. My only way to protest this relationship is through my contributions and making other graduates aware of this situation.
How are research fellows and untenured faculty supposed to conduct their best research if they are constantly aware that their future is in the hands of a corporation’s director who makes more salary from Monsanto than the University? How will this affect the job future of these researchers? Will their research be delayed or cancelled? Will they be barred from working for competing companies?
This will even be more difficult for tenured faculty because of the veiled threat of the loss of a $1 million research fellowship and other research funds from Monsanto. They will be reluctant to investigate the risks to human safety of genetically modified organisms and herbicide use that desperately needs to be done. The university is already a paid player for Monsanto in the development of soybean seeds that are herbicide ready. How can we trust the research?
SDSU is a first class research and teaching university. I do not want to see the university turned into a pawn of a company such as Monsanto. I will make my contributions in another venue until such time that the president of SDSU and Monsanto part company.
Related posts:
Follow Us!