NARN Press Release – University of Washington IACUC Bullying

NARN Press Release – September 2, 2022

RE: University of Washington IACUC Bullying 

The right to freedom of speech is enshrined in our Constitution. The right to publicly participate in our democratic system is foundational to our society, especially here in the PNW and in Seattle. We take speaking up seriously here, and we don’t appreciate attempts to silence us. 

Over the summer, one of NARN’s members spoke out against the harmful practice of testing on animals used in labs for medical research. Our member spoke out at the appropriately scheduled time, in the appropriate venue, in front of the appropriate organizational body, the UW’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). For the animals subjected to experiments inside the UW’s primate lab, the IACUC is responsible for overseeing their welfare and verifying that all scientists remain as “humane” as possible during the animal’s use. There is nothing humane about what is going on in this primate lab. 

And our member expressed as such, something our member was in their Constitutionally protected right to do. However, despite following appropriate protocol and procedure for testimony during IACUC’s public hearing, someone from the IACUC or otherwise affiliated with the UW decided to contact our member’s employer and “report” them in a blatant attempt to bully our member. This act resulted in our member being subjected to intimidation by their employer. This behavior was immoral, immature, and possibly illegal. NARN stands with our member and we vow to protect all of our members from any potential harassment or bullying by public officials such as the IACUC. 

Sincerely, 

The Northwest Animal Rights Network Board of Directors