York to Become the Chiro-University?

SkeptInq@aol.com
Thu, 10 Dec 1998 13:53:43 EST 

 Canada's York University Plans Affiliation with Chiropractic College
 International Call for Science to Respond

  In the latest encroach of alternative medicine on campus, the Senate at York
University, the third largest university in Canada, has approved affiliation
with the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CCMC), potentially becoming
the first major university in the world to affiliate voluntarily with a
chiropractic college.

 The decision, to be finalized this spring, raises alarm among York University
science faculty who question heavily the scientific integrity of chiropractic,
the lack of a legitimate research culture in the field, the effect on York's
reputation and the potentially disastrous influence on the schools ability to
attract research monies and recruit top students and faculty.

 "Will the best science researchers come to York if we should be coloured as
'the chiro-university'?...Will we get the best students?" York physics
professor Michael DeRobertis asks in a recent article in Canada's Globe&Mail
newspaper.

 In a classic example of the culture of antiscience on university campuses,
the York Senate approved the affiliation over the objections of the Faculty of
Pure and Applied Science(FPAS.)  In debate before the Senate vote, many Senate
members spoke derisively of scientists and science.  Scientists were called
"narrow-minded," "biased," "grant-fixated" as well as "elitist and unable to
admit other ways of inquiry than their own."

 Here's the real kicker:  If the York Senate makes final approval this spring,
the science faculty will be given responsibility for teaching the new
chiropractic students.

 A full report on the matter by York University physics professor Michael
DeRobertis appears in a commentary article in the Fall/Winter 1998 issue of
the Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine.  Copies can be obtained by
calling Prometheus Books at 1800-421-0351.

 As DeRobertis points out at the conclusion of his article, if chiropractic is
granted worldwide legitimacy through affiliation with York University, can
other topics like astrology, aromatherapy, homeopathy, or naturopathy be far
behind?

 You can reach DeRobertis at: mmdr@yorku.ca, 416-736-2100 ext. 77761.

 IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS AND COMMENTS YOU CAN SEND THEM TO YORK UNIVERSITY.

 Phone, fax or address comments to:

 Dr. M. Elliot
 Chair, Senate
 S883 Ross Bldg.
 York University
 4700 Keele St.
 Toronto, ON M3J 1P3
 Fax: 416-736-5769
 Phone: 416-736-5012

 Dr. Michael Stevenson
 Vice-President, Academic Affairs
 S 938A Ross Bldg.
 York University
 4700 Keele St.
 Toronto, ON M3J 1P3
 Fax: 416-736-5876
 Phone: 416-736-5012