For several weeks now, the smart money has been against the criminal case of UCLA and professor Patrick Harran in the death of Lab worker Sheri Sangji ever getting to trial. Informed sources close to the case who spoke with Science Careers on the condition of anonymity have said that the university's clout and a pressing state court mandate to reduce the number of prisoners in California state prisons make it likely that a resolution short of a trial will occur.
That was before a state report highly critical of UCLA and Harran became public this past week. It's unclear whether the new revelations will have an effect on the district attorney's decision of how to proceed.
A new party has now entered the discussion. Sheri Sangi's labor union at UCLA, University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE), which is Local 9119 of the Communications Workers of America, a national union affiliated with the AFL-CIO, today issued a statement "urging the Los Angeles County District Attorney to prosecute the case to the fullest extent of the law."
That was before a state report highly critical of UCLA and Harran became public this past week. It's unclear whether the new revelations will have an effect on the district attorney's decision of how to proceed.
A new party has now entered the discussion. Sheri Sangi's labor union at UCLA, University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE), which is Local 9119 of the Communications Workers of America, a national union affiliated with the AFL-CIO, today issued a statement "urging the Los Angeles County District Attorney to prosecute the case to the fullest extent of the law."
"Criminal prosecution will be the single most effective deterrent to unsafe laboratory conditions in the future at UCLA and other universities," said UPTE spokesperson Joan Lichterman in the statement. UPTE represents, among other University of California workers, the non-student, non-postdoc employees in UCLA labs.
Also signing on to the statement are Naveen Sangji, Sheri Sangji's sister, representing the family; attorney Frances Schreiberg, who was formerly director of the Bureau of Investigations at the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health; and Tammy Miser of United Support and Memorial for Workplace Fatalities, a group of family members of workers who have died from occupational injuries.
The university, on behalf of itself and Harran, has vigorously and consistently denied the criminal charges. Arraignment is scheduled for 2 February.
Also signing on to the statement are Naveen Sangji, Sheri Sangji's sister, representing the family; attorney Frances Schreiberg, who was formerly director of the Bureau of Investigations at the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health; and Tammy Miser of United Support and Memorial for Workplace Fatalities, a group of family members of workers who have died from occupational injuries.
The university, on behalf of itself and Harran, has vigorously and consistently denied the criminal charges. Arraignment is scheduled for 2 February.
