SVP Ethics Statement re: sale of vertebrate fossils

[Danvarner@aol.com]

I'm taking the liberty of  reposting this from the vrtpaleo list. DV

<< The following SVP  Ethics statement on the sale of vertebrate fossils is 
posted on behalf of SVP  President Annalisa Berta.

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REGARDING THE SALE OF  FOSSIL VERTEBRATES

The SVP Executive Committee is concerned with reports  about the sale of 
vertebrate fossils by some members of SVP.  When  individuals join SVP, they 
sign 
an agreement to abide by the bylaws of the  Society, including the code of 
ethics, which states, "the barter, sale, or  purchase of scientifically 
significant vertebrate fossils is not condoned unless  it brings them into or 
keeps 
them with, a public trust" (Bylaws of SVP, Article  12, Code of Ethics, Section 
6).  We are compelled by our Bylaws to enforce  the Code of Ethics.

We wish to make clear our position on this  subject.  As of March 1, 2005, we 
have a standing committee to investigate  reported incidents involving the 
sale of scientifically significant vertebrate  fossils by SVP members to 
destinations other than recognized scientific  organizations.  This committee 
will 
make a recommendation to the Executive  Committee, including the possible 
termination of membership in SVP of those who  fail to abide by the Code of 
Ethics.

Annalisa Berta, President  SVP

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++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Annalisa  Berta
Professor and Associate Chair
Department of Biology
San Diego  State University
San Diego, CA 92182-4614

phone: 619-594-5392
lab:  594-4584

fax:619-594-5676
email:  aberta@sunstroke.sdsu.edu
http://www.bio.sdsu.edu/faculty/berta.html
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  >>