Purdue Best Bets
January 9, 1998
JOURNALISTS: Here are a couple of story ideas and a list of newsworthy Purdue events
during the next two weeks.
Ethicist: Make cloning illegal for now
"Partly because it's so alarming to people, we need to put a strict moratorium on
the proposed cloning of humans," says Paul Thompson, a Purdue ethicist who specializes
in biotechnology issues. He suggests a minimum of 10 years before allowing the technique to be used for humans. "Cloning doesn't violate moral or legal parameters per se,
but society's not ready for it," he says. He contends that once it's started, it
will be impossible to stop. He says the issue is confusing, as people are unclear
as to what a clone is. "Identical twins are clones in the strictest sense," Thompson says.
He says infertile couples have more reasonable and consistent methods for bearing
children than to utilize cloning. He says cloning is quite risky, noting that the
procedure produced many nonviable sheep before being successful. "What do you do when it produces
humans that aren't quite right?" he asks. Thompson is the Joyce and Edward E. Brewer
Distinguished Professor of Philosophy. CONTACT: Thompson, (765) 494-4295.
Students, staff to help community on King holiday
About 200 Purdue students and staff members will assist 20 Greater Lafayette nonprofit
agencies during "Affirming the Dream III; A Day of Service" on Jan. 19. The annual
event recognizes the work of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Volunteers
will work from about 9 a.m. to noon on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, an official university
holiday. Following the day of service, participants can attend a luncheon in the
Krannert Drawing Room, Krannert Building. CONTACTS: Kathy Reynolds, Diversity Resource
Office, (765) 494-2117; Nancy Wada-McKee, Office of the Dean of Students (765) 494-1259
or (765) 427-8773 (mobile phone on Jan. 19); or Lisa Heinhold, Meredith Hall, (765)
494-2532.
Events
Monday, Jan. 19.
The Dream Is for Everyone. 7 p.m. Fowler Hall, Stewart Center. An evening of song
and celebration to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Performances
by the Vision of Hope community choir, the Jahari Dance Troupe, the New Directional
Players and a mass community choir. Contact: Derrick Williams, event organizer, (765) 495-1606.
Thursday, Jan. 22.
Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture. 7 p.m. East Faculty Lounge, Purdue Memorial Union.
The Department of African-American Studies presents a lecture by Franklin Breckinridge,
state president of the NAACP. Contact: Leonard Harris, director, African-American
Studies and Research Center, (765) 494-5680.
Friday, Jan. 23.
The annual Ag Fish Fry. 11:30 a.m. Purdue Armory. This year's theme is "We're Off
... To See The Wizard," with Fish-Fry variations on the characters from "The Wizard
of Oz." Contact: The Ag Alumni Association office, (765) 494-8593.
Saturday, Jan. 24.
Eighth Annual Purdue Jazz Festival. 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Stewart Center, Memorial Union
and Elliott Hall. More than 70 high school jazz bands will join for a day of jazz
competitions. The festival ends with a concert at Elliott Hall of Music. Contact:
Jennifer Tucker, (765) 496-2697; e-mail, tuckerj@concentric.net.
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
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