PAGE TEN THE MICHIGAN DAILY FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 1968 Committee Submits Classified Research R eport I . EDITORS NOTE: Following is the. report of the Senate Assembly Committee on Research Poliies: on Classified research at the University. It is reprinted here in full with .the exception of the introduction and one citation in the conclusion. ~The Committee was chaired by Prof. Robert C. Elderfield of the Chem- istry department. PART I Recommendations for Action A. The Committee on Research Policies recommends that the Senate Assembly approve the fol- lowing four statements of Uni- versity Policy on Classified Re- search and transmit them to the Board of Regents: Poney It The University will not enter any contract supporting re- search the specific purpose of which is to destroy human life or to incapacitate human beings. Policy H The University will not enter into any contract which would restrain its freedom to disclose (1) the existence of the con- tract, or (2) the identity of the sponsor, and if a sub-con- tract is involved, the identity of the prime sponsor. Policy III The University will not enter into any .contract which would re- strain its freedom to disclose the purposeand scope of the proposed research (1) to per- mit informed discussion con- cerning the appropriateness of such research within the Uni- versity and (2) to apprise col- leagues in immediate and re- lated disciplines of the nature and importance of the potent- ial contribution to the dis- ciplines involved. Policy IV The University will not enter into any contract which re- quires that the approval of any outside person or agency be ob- tained prior to publication or dissemination of the results of any, research unless there is a reasonable expectation (1) that the research will make a signif- icant contribution to the ad- vancement of knowledge or (2) that it will contribute significantly to enhancing the research capability of the in- vestigator or his research unit. Even in these circumstances the University will not enter into any such contract if it seems probable that the pub- lication or dissemination of the major findings and conclusions of this and integrally related projects would be unreasonably restricted. B. The Committee on Re- search Policies recommends that the Senate Assembly approve the following implementing mechan- ism for systematic review of clas- sified research proposals. (1) A review committee of nine members, broadly representative of the entire faculty, shall be ap- pointed by the Senate Assembly to review all proposals for con- tracts involving national security classification, including exten- sions, supplements, or modifica- tions thereof. Because situations may arise in which information necessary to judge the appropria- teness of a particular research proposal will be obtainable only by. those who have a security clearance, it is clearly desirable that several members of the re- view committee hold or seek security clearance. However, mem- bership on the review committee shall not be restricted to per- sons with security clearance. (2) The review committee shall advise the Vice-President for Re- search whether in its judgment the proposal is acceptable in light of the principles recommended above and others which may be defined from time to time. If there is disagreement between the review committee and the Vice- President for Research concerning the acceptability of a proposal, the review committee shall re- port to the Senate Assembly the reasons for its recommendations and the Vice-President for Re- search shall report to the Senate Assembly the reasons for his de- cision. (3) The Committee shall re- port to the Senate Assembly an- nually a summary of its actions, a statement of the policy prob- lems, if any, which it has en- countered, and recommendations for changes in policy or pro- cedure. C. The Committee on Research Policies recommends that the Senate Assembly act to create an inter-university committee: The Senate Assembly shall as- sume responsibility for bringing together representatives of other universities with a view to for- mation of an inter-university committeewhich would work to- ward the reduction of federal re- strictions on publication and dis- semination of the results of uni- versity research. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS There are other considerations in making a judgment con- cerning the appropriteness of a proposal for classified research, but for which the articulation of standards is as yet premature. Among the most important of these is the risk that research which aligns or appears to align the name of the University with a particular political faction or segment of society in a foreign country may compromise the ability of other memers of the University to carry on research in that or other countries. This risk would seem to be substanti- ally increased whenever the in- vestigator is subject to any re- straints other than those impos- ed by the demands of scholarship. At least one university, in re- sponse to these considerations, has adopted a policy of declining any contract or grant "that in- volves the collection of social or behavorial data i a, foreign country and requires the security clearance of any person involved in the project." Although of ob- vious value in tending to place all University personnel engaged in research in a foreign country be- yond suspicion, we are unper- suaded that so sweeping a policy is desirable. The variety of re- search within the University which would be adversely affect- ed by such a policy, much if not all of which poses none of the risks which would justify the policy, suggests that a more dis- criminating analysis is required. A case-by-case examination of such research proposals by a re- view committee will afford an opportunity for such an analysis and perhaps, provide experience adequate to permit the articula- tion of guiding principles. PART II Reasons Underlying the General Positions Adopted by the Committee In Part I of this report the overall position and recommen- dations of the Committee have been presented. The Committee now summarizes its reasons for the policy statements and im- plementing procedures which it has proposed for adoption by the Senate Assembly. re: Policy Statement I One of the University's pri- mary goals is the preservation and enrichment of human life rather than its destruction. While the Committee is aware that al- most any scientific discovery can be used for either constructive or destructive ends, policy state- ment I makes explicit what is already University policy. Furth- ermore, the statement makes it clear that any activity specifi- cally directed toward means for the destruction of human life or the impairment of human welfare is not consonant with the values of a university. re: Policy Statement II Secrecy per se has no positive academic value. While the prin- ciple of freedom of inquiry should be permitted maximum latitude, there must nevertheless be within a university community a mini- mum code of conduct and ethics which establishes certain bounds of inquiry. It is, therefore, dan- gerous for any group within the University to move in ways com- pletely unknown to its commun- ity of scholars and thus not sub- ject to their moral evaluation. Hence anonymity of sponsorship for classified research is totally unacceptable. re: Policy Statement III The underlying reasons for this proposed policy have already been presented under II, i.e., that the University is a community which develops a shared con- science as a result of informed discussion. Policy statement III emphasizes the need to make public sufficient information re- garding the intent and sphere of the proposed research in order that its appropriateness may be perceived by the entire Univer- sity. Disclosure of the purpose and scope of the proposed research not only informs the University community at large, but also ac- quaints individuals who have re- lated professional interests with the existence of an activity which may be mutually beneficial. Channels of communication are thus opened between related and diverse disciplines. re: Policy Statement IV The basis for policy statement IV lies in two conclusions which the Committee reached as a re- sult of its deliberations: (1) There is not adequate justification for categorically banning classified research; (2) Given that certain conditions are met, classified re- search contributes to the same academic values as open research. The major reasons for these two conclusions are presented below. 1. Inadequate Justification for Banning All Classified Research a) Freedom of Inquiry. The peremptory elimination of clas- sified research at The University of Michigan would result in a broad categorical restraint on the freedom of some staff members to choose the area of inquiry in which they wish to work. The evidence is more than adequate to show that in certain fields participation in classified re- search is vital to the professional development of the scholar. Even strong opponents of classified re- search acknowledge this and con-I cede that it is probably the mainf justification for such research.i These opponents would be will- ing, however, to accept the con-; sequences of banning classified research, viz., to force the in-i vestigator to change fields or to change institutions. No member; of the Committee considers thisi to be a tenable position for thet University.r In taking this stand, it shoulda be noted that the policy followed by an institution at which classi- fied research is already being done need not coincide with the policy which would be chosen by an institution in which tradition- ally there was no such research.1 A different balance of principles is involved in each case. The Committee feels that to accept, in the absence of significant con- siderations to the contrary, at broad restraint by category rath- er than merit is to take a dan- gerous step in the direction of control of individual choice and initiative. This is not to say thats classified research is inherently desirable, or that efforts should not be made to minimize it over a period of time, but simply thatt arbitrary cessation would be in- consistent with the principle of4 freedom of inquiry, a principle whichthe academic community cherishes. b) Other Institutions. It has been argued that some prestigious institutions have managed to eliminate classified research from their campuses without deleterious effects. The more the Committee' has investigated such cases the' more apparent it has become that ways have been found to circum- vent such prohibitions (for exam- ple, by faculty members with security clearance creating "pri- vate" corporations to receive fed- eral funds for the conduct of their classified research). The Committee finds it preferable to, acknowledge and permit some classified research at the Uni- versity under conditions which make it known to the community of scholars. The Committee considered the proposal advanced by some col- leagues that all classified re- search at The University of Michigan be conducted in a sep- arate, isolated facility having an independent corporate entity such as the Lincoln Laboratory or thet S t a n f o r d Research Institute. While such a solution would per- mit the University to proclaim that it had abolished all classified research, the Committee felt that such an arrangement would, in fact, constitute little more than a public relations gesture. And, because the resulting islation would tend to negate most if not all of the potential educa- tional benefits of classified re- search, for both staff and stu- dents, the Committee does not recommend the creation of such an independent facility. c) University Community Val- ues. It has been contended that by conducting classified research, the University community is placed in jeopardy because those who participate in such research "owe allegiance to another (the' defense) community," a loyaltyj which is incompatible with that to a university community. In particular, such allegiance may involve activities which some members of the University com- munity would find morally of- fensive if they knew what was his own choice because of his na- being done, but cannot know tionality. about because of the externally imposed secrecy requirements. c) Instructional P r o g r a m s. The Committee has not been in- . Classified research generates new1 sensitive to this issue. One of knowledge, some of which is dis-' the major reasons for recom- seminated intially in restricted mending a review committee was meetings. An example is the an- to incorporate a representative nual Radar Symposium, which sense of the faculty community attracts about 500 participants, in arriving at decisions concerning and at which peer group evalua- the appropriateness of classified tion and criticism is as standard research projects in this academ-, as at any unrestrictedsmeeting. is enironent.As the results of the research be- ic environment, come declassified, the material However, the Committee feels is immediately available for in- that the concepts of a "university corporation into regular instruct- community" and of its "moral ional programs. The presence of needs" must be treated with care. experts in a particular field en- While these may be useful con- hances the quality and timeliness structs, they have different im- of the courses offered, and in plications for different people. this way contributes significantly One of the main values which to the eduionalplederhip of ed as advisory only, with the Vice- a defensible University stance vis- President for Research retaining a-vis classified research, authcrity to act in his best judg- The Committee discussed at ment. However, should he make a some length the question of decision regarding any proposal whether there ought to be student representation on the proposed re- not in accord with the judgment view committee. Marked differ- of the review committee this fact ences of opinion on this matter will be reported to the Senate As- were expressed by members of sembly. the Committee. Since this issue t C r F is but a part of the larger question In recommending that any pro- of the appropriate role of students Oosal by a University staff mem-! in decision making within the ber to conduct classified research University, a matter on which a be reviewed by a committee of ;pecial commission is soon to re- his colleagues, the Committee on port, the Committee decided to Research Policies wishes to em- defer any further consideration of phasize that, this review must be the question of student representa- limited to the question of the ap- tion at least until after the spec- propriateness of the proposed ial commission has submitted its activity in the University and not full report. involve any judgment concerning I t j f C 7 t f t . a 1 ! distinguishes a university from the institutIon. the technical aspects of the re- re: Inter-University Committee Ithe institution. tetcnclapcso h e other communities is its respect search. Presumably, the latter con- On the basis of our study of for and devotion to the principle In summary, the above con- siderations will have been judged issues associated with the con- of individual diversity - aca- conclude that selected classified by the investigator, and by his duct of classified research it ap- demic, political, and moral. To tresearch projects are acceptable supervisor or by a technically pears that none of the individuals restrict arbitrarily the scholarly ss qualified review group. with extensive experience in clas- activities of its faculty members! for valid academic reason. sified research prefers to engage on the basis of some concept of re: The Review Committee Much discussion and debate in classified as contrasted with what a university "ought to be" In concluding that the wisest preceded the recommendation that >pen research. Classified projects is to do violence to one of the policy for the University is to membership on the proposed re- are accepted primarily because main principles which a univer- avoid either of the two possible view committee not be limited to this is the only way, at the mom- sity should uphold. The Coimit- extremes, (a) to accept all clas- persons holding a national secur- ent, to secure financial support tee, therefore, cannot justify an sified research or (b) to eliminate ity clearance. This provision re- for certain significant research Olympian role for the moral all classified research, this Com- flects the firm conviction of the projects. In short, one must sub- argument to ban all classified re- mittee is in effect saying "Some Committee on Research Policies mit to the nuisances and restrict- search. classified research projects are that the qualifications for mem- ions involved in order to secure 2. Academic Values in Classi- appropriate in the University set- bership on any Senate Assembly support for certain types of re- fled Research ~sI- ting and others are not." Proposedi committee should be decided by search. ile csficatpolicy statements I and II 'were the Senate Assembly itself, not . oalo b formulated to exclude certain types determined by any external group, t s ifiation imoe on considered as a desirableg at of projects which the Committee e.g., a clearance-granting agency. certain projects is justified in the itself, it is relevant in arriving at views as clearly unacceptable un- On the other hand, the experience ierts oents secustie n- an overall policy to note that re- der University auspices. If these of our sub-committee responsible rests of national security. Un- search carried out with some re- two policies are adopted, projects for the report on the Thailand fortunately, however, it appears strictions can be consonant with tw icien r m a opte m projects emprsznstheTiart that classification is sometimes accepttd academic values. The tlwhich do not conform to them are projects emphasizes the import- imposed for no defensible reason Comitte hs rceied uchin-not likely to be proposed by Uni- ance of some members of the re - adetr rjcsaecasfe Committee has received much in- I versity staff members and if they view committee having full access and entire projects are classified formation on this point, of which even though only a small part of the following are some examples, are, they will likely be summarily to the classified portions of any them involves sensitive infor- rejected. research proposal under review. It mation. a) Research Advances. Re- By contrast, proposed policy is our belief that among any group search started under classified statements III and IV deal with of nine representative nominees Although considerable classified conditions has generated many re- judgmental matters about which for the proposed review committee, research has been and is currently search programs which are totally' there are likely to be honest dif- one or more of them will already being conducted at The Univer- unclassified. Furthermore, when ferences of opinion among mem- hold a national security clearance sity of Michigan, both the project classification has been removed bers of the University commun- and several others will wish to directors and research administra- from the results of the research' ity: e.g., "How much informa- obtain such clearance in order to tors here are well known in not only does the basic science' tion must be publicly revealed make the judgments required of government circles for their strong and technology appear in the about the purpose and scope of them. However, if any member and continuing efforts to reduce open literature, but the develop- a proposed project to permit in- appointed to the committee elects, the amount and degree of- clas- ments are uniquely available at formed discussion concerning its for any reason, not to seek secur- sification imposed on federally the University for early use in appropriateness under University ity clearance, he should be under sponsored university research and non-classified applications. The auspices?" "To what extent will no pressure to do so. for their persistent efforts to se- use of various remote sensing it contribute to the educational There is, in our opinion, one cure early declassification of re- techniques utilizing radar, infra- objectives of the University?" essential qualification for service sarch findings. This Committe red, and multiband scanning is "How essential is the project to on the proposed review committee: ffots would be much more ef- a good example of such a de- the investigator (and his col- agreement with the general propo- ft e m or e- velopment. Thus, such projects leagues) in keeping up with the nt the enfective if several major univer- contribute to fundamental ex- leading edge of knowledge in their each proposal should be judged osities were joined together dn a tensions of knowledege. discipline?" "To what extent is individually. Anyone committed to nerteduci e lassifiction of b) Student Support. Financial the proposed project concerned the extreme position that "any university research to the absolute support for the education of manyc with service to the sponsor -ra- classified research is appropriate" minimum consistent with national graduate students is provided by ther than research?" Obviously or the other extreme that "no security. classified research projects. How- the answer to these and many classified research is appropriate" ---.----- ---- ever, in no case has a hes Ho- other questions involve value should, in the judgment of the ee in nomcaehasng thesisc- judgments. The eventual decision Committee on Research Policies,! cepted in meeting the require- of "appropriate or not appropriate lietsrv onheeiw ments for a degree, been of a f'arprterntaprrie decline to serve on the review, ment fora dereebeenof aunder University auspices" willde77 , ui classified nature. Nor is it true,!uner Univere ascs"pl committee since he would not con- w as has been contended, that for- ineitably require a complex tribute to making the kinds of eign students are prohibited fromweighing of these value judg- considered judgments, case by CONTAC 10's engaging in work the financial case, envisaged as necessary for reg. $1 .49 support for which comes from a Rather than relying on any one-- _ -- classified project although they individual for this important Now 99C A may be excluded from the clas- sified portions of it. In fact, the records of two representative cen- ters engaged in classified research show that a significant portion of Ph.D. degrees earned by for- eign students during the past few years was based on theses aris- ing from classified research pro- jects. The Committee was told that in the College of Engineer- ing no instance was known in which a foreign student has been barred from academic work of judgment regarding the appropr- iateness of a proposed project it is, recommended that each pro- posal to conduct classified research at the University be reviewed by' a committee of nine Senate mem- bers, broadly representative of the University community and that this committee report its judg. ment to the Vice-President for Research. It is the Committee's recom- mendation that the reports of this review committee be regard- TODAY VOICE-SDS Committee Meeting NOON-2534 S.A.B. Fishbowl - Anyone interested selecting literature, sitting tables, and related things in at CORICIDIN 25's reg. $1.49 Now 99c SCOPE MOUTHWASH 17 oz., reg. $1.45 Now 99c STATE REXALL DRUG 632 Packard I O'CLOCK-2nd room MUG International Education- All Interested STEAK and SHAKE 1313 South University 1/2 Ib. 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