SVP statement on Dr. Rensberger-Burke Museum

[mkirkaldy@aol.com]

SVP has a statement on its website about the Dr. Rensberger-Burke 
Museum collection problems:
http://www.vertpaleo.org/

"The SVP Executive Committee has received the report and 
recommendations of the Ethics Education Committee regarding allegations 
concerning Dr. John Rensberger, formerly at the Burke Museum, 
University of Washington."

<SNIP>
"There was some divergence of professional opinion in the reports 
regarding the first two allegations, but the SVP Ethics Education 
Committee concluded that the fossil collections resulting from Dr. 
Rensbergerâs fieldwork are properly deposited in a public institution 
(the Burke Museum) and have been well curated by Dr. Rensberger and the 
current curatorial staff of the Burke Museum."

"Regarding the third allegation, it is clear that on a number of 
occasions, Dr. Rensberger neglected to obtain proper authorization to 
conduct paleontological fieldwork on public lands. Failure to obtain 
proper collecting permits was in violation of both the SVP Ethics Bylaw 
and the regulations of the public land-management agencies. This 
omission was inappropriate and undermines the reputation of our 
profession. If Dr. Rensberger continues to conduct paleontological 
fieldwork in this manner, the Executive Committee will recommend 
termination of his membership from the Society, following the 
procedures outlined in the SVP Bylaws, Article 1, Section 6."
<SNIP>

Mary
________________________________________________________________________
Check out the new AOL.  Most comprehensive set of free safety and 
security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from 
across the web, free AOL Mail and more.