Tobacco.org

UC tobacco money ban delayed -- again 

The recent decision by the University of California Board of Regents to delay ruling on whether to ban research funding from tobacco companies extends a long period of division among UC faculty and administration. . . .

Last August, the district court of the District of Columbia found Philip Morris guilty of manipulating and misrepresenting scientific data, violations of the federal Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) act. The company was cited for the Center for Indoor Air Research, created and operated by Philip Morris under the auspices of an independent research facility, which produced data that furthered Philip Morris's economic goals. The Center funded a study led by James Enstrom, a University of California, Los Angeles researcher, who the Judge directly implicated in the misconduct.

Many University of California faculty members say they are frustrated by the board's hesitation to vote on the ban, especially in light of foul play on the part of the tobacco companies.

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