STAFF ED: Public opinion on stem cell research matters to NU

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents spent more than an hour of its Friday meeting listening to the public on the issue of embryonic stem cell research.

Some cried while delivering their testimony, others expressed anger, but they all were given the opportunity to say which side of the issue they fell on.

The topic of embryonic stem cell research has been hot for some time now, after some Nebraskans have called for NU to change its stem cell policy after President Barack Obama loosened federal funding restrictions.

At the meeting, both NU President J.B. Milliken and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Harvey Perlman endorsed the university's use of embryonic stem cells, saying that such research is necessary to keep the NU system competitive nationally. And while it's important to hear what administrators think, it might be even more important to hear what the people the university serves think.

The board always provides time for public comment and always posts its meeting agenda online so people know what issues will be discussed. But let's be honest, how many of us, especially students, are going to take the time to go hunt down a meeting agenda just so they can go talk to a few old men who probably won't care anyway?

However, in this case, the regents showed they actually do care, by getting the word out during the middle of last week asking people to come and share their opinions on the topic.

This effort paid off, as more than 20 people showed up to offer their thoughts on the issue. Their comments may end up impacting the way the various regents' votes; none said publicly on Friday which way they would go.

While the board will not be making a decision on the issue of embryonic stem cell research until next month, it is comforting to know they are not taking their decision lightly, and that they're willing to listen to what Nebraskans have to say.

We thank the board for the opportunity to speak and be heard and encourage students, faculty, staff and the public to engage in this debate.