OXFORD DECLARATION

One of Pro-Test's objectives is to challenge the climate of fear that surrounds the animal testing issue thanks to the extremist behaviour of groups like the ALF and the intimidating behaviour and abusive behaviour of groups like SPEAK. We believe scientists ought to be proud of their work and be able to communicate its benefits and processes to the general public, so that an informed decision can be made about the issue. Unfortunately, many stakeholders in continued animal testing, such as the government and Oxford University, prefer to keep quiet about the issue and apparently hope anti-vivisectionists will go away or be silenced by court injunctions. We would rather people took a positive step by declaring themselves openly in favour of continued animal testing and the construction of the Oxford lab. Anti-vivisectionists' campaigns of intimidation only work when we allow ourselves to be intimidated; 'keeping our heads down' plays into their hands by allowing them to split off the most afraid and vulnerable among us, gradually eroding the massive - but silent - majority that supports animal testing. It also concedes the vital principle of academic freedom, which Oxford, like all universities, should always strive to uphold.

One way of standing up for science is for students to pass motions in favour of animal testing and the Oxford lab in their college Junior Common Rooms (JCRs, for undergraduates) and Middle Common Rooms (MCRs, for postgraduates), and to pressure academics and other staff to speak on these issues. Pro-Test has created a draft motion that you can use at your meetings, and is happy to liaise with you and to send speakers to help you make the case for animal testing to your colleagues.

Together, these motions will constitute an 'Oxford Declaration': a solid body of students who say they are in favour of vivisection and medical progress, in favour of building the lab, and who refuse to be intimidated into silence.

New College JCR became the first to stand up for science on 7 May 2006. Well done! They were joined by Corpus Christi, St John's and Wadham College JCRs on 21 May 2006. Merton College's MCR became the first MCR to pass the motion on 25 May 2006. Lady Margaret Hall added their support to the Oxford Declaration on 28 May 2006.