Speaking Out - Rodin Reply to Vining The source of this document is Almanac. +quot;/pennin

Speaking Out - Rodin Reply to Vining

The source of this document is Almanac.
"/penninfo-srv.upenn.edu/9000/23805/info"

Speaking Out
------------


Dr. Rodin's Response to Dr. Vining
==================================

   I am deeply sorry that Professor Vining misinterpreted the content 
and intent of my "Welcome Back" letter that appeared in Almanac at the 
start of this semester (Almanac January 17, 1995).  My purpose in not 
identifying Professor Vining was precisely to protect his right to 
receive research funding from any source he chooses that is legitimately 
constituted under law, ensures free inquiry and publication, and does 
not discriminate.  The University has been steadfast in defending 
Professor Vining's rights over the past six months in response to 
complaints from Mr. Gerard and others.  We will continue to protect the 
right of Professor Vining and other faculty to receive research funding 
from sources of their choice.

   The alleged "hater" in this instance is the Pioneer Fund, not
Professor Vining.  It was the propriety of Penn's funding relationship 
with the Pioneer Fund, admittedly limited and indirect, not the content 
of Professor Vining's research, that was upsetting to some people, and 
it was to that issue that my comments referred.

   Again, I  deeply regret Professor Vining's misunderstanding of my
intent and want to assure him and other faculty in the strongest 
possible terms that any such reading of my letters is a misconstrual.  I 
have protected and will continue to protect the rights of faculty to 
freedom of research and expression, as Penn has done for many years.

- Judith Rodin, President