SMUTS
Super bowler
Diandra Hyman has been bowling since a young
age and hopes to become a professional after her
career at Nebraska. PAGE 9
AIE
"Techno’ Music
Technological innovations have revolutionized
local music scenes, allowing bands everywhere
to have their own compact discs. PAGE 12
THURSDAY
December 9j, 1999
IUveineWitieii
Cloudy, high 42. Q< it, low 18.
Bioethics
committee
planned
for research
■ The NU president will bring
together people with expertise in
philosophy, law, medicine and social
sciences to advise regents.
By Kimberly Sweet
Senior staff writer
After more than a week of debate over the uni
versity’s use of fetal tissue, NU President Dennis
Smith announced the formation of a new commit
tee to study biological research issues.
Smith announced on Wednesday his intention
to create a new commission to advise NU officials
on bioethical issues that arise from research done
at the University of Nebraska.
The committee will be called the Nebraska
Bioethics Advisory Commission.
The 12- to 18-member committee, selected and
appointed by Smith, will advise and make recom
mendations to the NU Board of Regents and Smith
on research policies at the University of Nebraska.
While Smith said the use of fetal tissue falls
under the umbrella of bioethics, there is a bigger
issue at hand.
The mam impetus for the formation of a com
mission coincides with scientists’ recent sequenc
ing of human chromosome 22.
Smith predicted that scientists will be able to
sequence the entire human genome in the next
three to four years. This will increase research
opportunities and could demand the increased use
of stem cells and tissue from humans.
“The issue involving fetal cells has made me
aware of the desire to have public input on these
issues,” Smith said in Wednesday’s teleconference.
Once all 23 pairs of chromosomes are
sequenced, a large amount of research activity will
take place to attempt to correct genetically based
diseases, Smith said.
But for that research to take place, scientists
must extract stem cells from human embryos.
The commission will include people with
expertise in philosophy and theology, social and
behavioral science, law, medical ethics and biolog
ical research as well as medical and allied health
professionals.
At least three members of the general public
will also be represented on the commission. Smith
said he would promote equal geographic distribu
tion on the commission as well as ethnic and gen
der diversity.
Experts and non-experts will make up the com
mission, Smith said.
UNL Academic Senate President Gail Latta
said Smith took a positive step in deciding to form
a commission.
“I view it as a very responsible, balanced
response to the public’s call,” Latta said.
The commission won’t be responsible for
approving individual projects, only for reviewing
policies as they relate to research.
Smith said he hoped the commission would be
similar to the National Bioethics Advisory
Please see ETHICS on 3
b
NatfWagner/DN
WOW DAVIDSON, a African Grey Congo bird, playfully pecks at Its mother, Tammy Davison, during her English 150 class Wednesday.
Bill could change execution method
By JoshKnaub
Staff writer
Gov. Mike Johanns announced at a press
conference Wednesday he would send the
Legislature a bill that would change the method
Nebraska uses to carry out executions.
Nebraska currently uses die electric chair to
enforce the death penalty. Johanns’ bill would
replace electrocution with lethal injection in
Nebraska.
Johanns said he requested the change pri
marily because the U.S. Supreme Court is hear
ing an appeal to decide whether Florida’s elec
trie chair is cruel and unusual punishment.
He said if the Supreme Court were to rule
that execution by electric chair was unconstitu
tional, Nebraska would be forced to either stop
executing prisoners or convene a special ses
sion of the Legislature to approve the change to
lethal injection.
“Nebraskans overwhelmingly support the
death penalty, as do I,” Johanns said.
Johanns said he expected the Supreme
Court to rule on Florida’s death penalty law
sometime in 2000. He said it was important the
Legislature act quickly.
Please see JOHANNS on 8
ii—
Nebraskans
overwhelmingly support
the death penalty, as
doL"
Gov. Mike Johanns
Renovations meet with mixed reactions
By Samuel McKewon
Senior editor
Fans are giving mixed reviews to die newly renovated Bob
Devaney Sports Center.
While most interviewed liked the additions made through
out the arena - which houses men’s and women’s basketball,
wrestling, gymnastics, swimming and track - many of them
balked at the $7.9 million price tag attached to it
“The place sure looks better than it used to,” said Marvin
Siefert of Seward, who has been a season-ticket holder since
1978. “Everything is a lot more up front, and there Is a lot more
celebrating athletes and coaches. But I’m not sure they had to do
it all at once. Itls a lot of money”
And the University of Nebraska Athletic Department may
have to spend a little more to solve one problem with seating.
It concerns the floor-level seats on the south end of the arena
-typically reserved for students.
Please see RENOVATION on 6
r
| The Denney Seating Bilemma
Tha new Mating plan oMiucM the view of “B”
■action whan students in “A” section stand up.
NU officials tarped up the last 2 rows of “A”
Section, thus teaving’B” section spectators wtth I
a dear line of site..
MattHaney/DN
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