subject: Bp Accused Of 'buying Silence' [print this page] At a time when BPs public relations are in tatters, new allegations have been levelled against the oil company, of buying the silence of scientists and academics.
The American Association of University Professors has accused the oil giant for attempting to buy the silence of the scientific community, as it faces over 200 federal civil lawsuits in connection to the Gulf of Mexico spill.
BP however countered that it is only protecting confidential information and has in no way shape or form attempted to prevent the discussion of scientific data.
If reading a copy of the contract that is issued to BP scientists, you will notice that scientists cannot publish the research they conduct for BP or even speak about the data for at least three years.
There is also a conflict of interest clause, which prevents scientists from doing any other research that might conflict with the work conducted for BP.
The president of the American Association of University Professors, Cary Nelson remarked that This is really one huge corporation trying to buy faculty silence in a comprehensive way.
BP have confirmed that it has hired a number of experts to help with the lawsuits, as well as a number of national and local scientists with expertise in the resources of the gulf of Mexico to help in restoration work.
These scientists are helping us collect and understand data about the impacts of the oil spill on the natural resources and to plan for restoration of those resources
"As is customary, we have asked these experts (more than a dozen) to treat information from BP counsel as confidential. However, BP does not take the position that environmental data are confidential.
"Moreover, BP does not place restrictions on academics speaking about scientific data.
Next week, seven federal judges will try and decide whether or how to consolidate more than 200 federal civil lawsuits filed by a range of claimants. The law-suits them-selves range from personal injury to out of work business owners. The total cost of compensation claims is estimated at $20 billion.
by: Antonia Torr
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