Debate on stem cell research continues; Milliken recommends expansion

The University of Nebraska should engage in embryonic stem cell research, said NU President J.B. Milliken at the Board of Regents meeting last Friday.

Since President Barack Obama relaxed federal guidelines for stem cell research last spring, some Nebraskans have been calling for a change in the university's stem cell research policy. As part of the Board of Regents' review of NU's policy, public comment and discussion on stem cell research dominated the afternoon portion of its meeting.

Milliken recommended that the regents allow the university's current policy on the research to stand. If the policy remains, NU researchers would be allowed to use embryonic stem cells for research as long as state facilities and resources are not used to create or destroy embryos as dictated by Nebraska law.

"Embryonic stem cell research holds enormous promise, and if the University of Nebraska is to be a leading research university, it should be appropriately engaged in this research," Milliken said.

"To do otherwise would unnecessarily limit the opportunities for discoveries to save and improve lives. It would also risk great harm to the reputation of the university and damage our ability to recruit and retain outstanding research and clinical faculty."

University of Nebraska Medical Center Chancellor Harold Maurer echoed Milliken's sentiments.

"Embryonic stem cell research holds the promise to restore functions to millions of Nebraskans and Americans," he said.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Harvey Perlman, also chimed in.

"I believe this issue impacts UNL to the same extent as UNMC," Perlman said.

"I do know that the implications of setting this university apart from the mainstream of scientific research would not serve us well in any area of research. It would make more difficult the implementation of Innovation Campus, which I think would not serve the people of Nebraska well."

During the morning portion of the meeting, many embryonic stem cell research opposition groups picketed outside Varner Hall on East Campus where the meeting was held, and during the afternoon, protesters trickled inside to hear or deliver public comment.

The board set aside an hour to hear from the public. Twenty-two people requested to speak on the issue.

Among the supporters of the research was Richard Holland, chairman of Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures and Lawrence S. B. Goldstein, a California researcher who works with stem cells to combat degenerative diseases.

"We can leave no stone unturned, and stranding talented University of Nebraska researchers on the bench in view of the challenges we face would be harmful, indeed," Goldstein told the regents.

Those opposing embryonic stem cell research included Julie Schmit-Albin, executive director of Nebraska Right to Life and Chip Maxwell from the Nebraska Coalition for Ethical Research.

"I know you want to do what's best for the university – hooray for that – but I remind you that this university belongs to the people of Nebraska," Maxwell said. "The people of Nebraska have put on this board five regents who love stem cell research but are on record opposing research that requires destruction of embryos."

Milliken said the regents have three choices: Do nothing that would allow researchers to use embryonic stem cells, take action and adopt a resolution upholding current policy or take action to place further restrictions on the use of embryonic stem cells.

"I believe we need to move beyond this period of consideration so that our faculty, our students and the public understand the university's policy," he said.

Milliken said he suspects additional consideration will be made in November on the issue.

Apart from discussions on embryonic stem cell research, the board's Business Affairs committee heard reports on the state budget.

Earlier this month, Gov. Dave Heineman called for an emergency session of the Legislature to rethink the state's budget. As a result, NU is bracing itself for budget cuts.

Milliken said the university will not ask for more funding and pulled requests for funding to build a nursing facility at UNL and begin developments on Innovation Campus among other projects.

"Those are all good ideas, but we will no longer be proposing them to the board," Milliken said. "We don't have a choice."

In the afternoon, the board approved nearly $1.7 million to make repairs to the Nebraska and Nebraska East unions, the University Health Center and University Housing Facilities. The regents also approved about $1.1 million to update Parking Service's equipment and property.

The board also:

The Board of Regents' next scheduled meeting is Dec. 11 at Varner Hall on East Campus; however, the board is expected to schedule a November meeting.