Tensions run high at latest IAST forum

Over 150 people crowded into an auditorium last night to voice their protests on a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. The impact statement examined how construction of the government-sponsored IAST on the current site of Smith Hall would affect the surrounding area. Those assembled included members from both the University and West Philadelphia communities, many of whom arrived with big signs of protest and lengthy written statements ready to criticize the IAST project and the impact statement. Some of the signs read "Save Smith Hall," "Johnny Can't Read, Johnny Can Kill" and "Science for Peace." Two Air Force representatives joined Vice Provost for Research Barry Cooperman to speak about the background of the IAST grant, the University proposal for the IAST and the impact statement. Following a short recess, the floor in the David Rittenhouse Laboratories auditorium was opened for comments. Speakers ranged from a spokesperson for Councilmember David Cohen who read a prepared statement which blasted the proposed IAST, to members of the Friends of Smith Walk group who offered their opinions on the project. Many speakers were concerned about the IAST's tie to the Pentagon and military funding. They said they do not want weapons research done in the facility. "Militarism and education do not mix," said William Bradley, the field coordinator for the National Student Action Union. "Smith Hall and Air Force labs do not mix." Cooperman then interrupted and reassured the audience that all military weapons research is classified and the University has a strict policy opposing classified research. "The University holds very strongly to this policy," he said. "People can engage in propaganda, but there will not be weapons research conducted at that facility." But former Army intelligence officer Julianne McKinney said "there is an unhealthy growing symbiotic relationship between the military and the University of Pennsylvania." She warned the audience that although direct weapons testing may not take place, weapons-related research will be done and a military agenda could be implemented including mind-control experiments. One of the panelists, Charles Holland, director of mathematical and computer sciences in the Air Force Office of Scientific Research at Bolling Air Force Base, said in a seperate question and answer session for the press that research can often result in technological improvements for the military even if the research is not directly military-related. "We always hope the research we support has a dual use," he said. "The defense department supported the use of the first digital computer here at Penn." Other concerns voiced included razing the historic Smith Hall and permanently damaging the view of Smith Walk, the increased hazardous waste material that would result from the management of the IAST and increased traffic and pollution in the area as a result of erecting and operating the facility. Cooperman said during an intermission that he found some of the criticisms "hard to swallow," but said "the historic aspect is a very real issue. "But from our position, [supporting the IAST] is the right decision to make," he said.