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January 29, 1975

Dr. Elizabeth S. Russell

Chairman

GSA Committee on Heredity, Race, IQ Statement
The Jackson Laboratory

Bar Harbor, Maine 04609

Dear Tibby,

My concern is that an “official” ection of the GSA will be used
as ammunition to result in the firing of or ewmary denial of research grants.
to people who, say, lean towards Jensen. (You may recall the: in 1951 w
I opposed Muller's motion requesting an official pronouncement ageinst
‘Lyeenkoiam on similar grounds).

I have less objection to an opinion poll*, especially if it offered
more detailed structure for response.

The statement fa not bad; but there are still a few places where I
_ would prefer more obviously agnostic wording. And perhaps geneticists
should disclaim any special expertise about I.Q. tests!

As to epeaking out ~- I am very mich in favor of individual options,
lesa about group statements that may set precedente for stampedes later.

(See what's happening about hybrid DNA purported hazards! Tomorrow
you may be attacked for breeding mice that, who knows, may threaten new
kinds of pest outbreaks). If these kinda of statements are institutionalized,
there will be plenty of demand for more on many other aubjfectea,

Sineeraly yours,

Joshua Lederberg
Professor of Genetics

*knnouncement should make it clear that GSA does not have rigorous
professional criteria for membership (and the less for husan genetics).

‘Else Shockley will tear it to pieces by reising that diversion, especially

when he is criticized on same grounds.
Dr. Elizabeth S. Russell -2- 1/29/75

P.S. I have a student who is specifically tnterested in the history
of genetics qua immigration laws. Who = who knew better ~ was
silent? I have the contrary impression that the prevailing wisdom -
and group expression - supported those laws at one time. Do tell me
if I am wrong, and especially of any documentation. (Of course there
weren't many "human geneticists” in those days!)

How does one obtain the 1974 thesis prepared by T.H. Emigh,
"Craristical methodology of the nature~nurture controversy in human
intelligence"? Would GSA be doing 4 service by aiding in its
distribution?