FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2009
San Francisco, California -- Last week, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) released a four page document outlining the steps they have taken following the fallout of a misguided press release pertaining to a study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine that incorrectly extrapolated data linking a virulent strain of MRSA to gay sex. The press release, issued back in January 2008, resulted in an avalanche of sensationalism-driven stories, from the San Francisco Chronicle to the New York Times, and seized upon by anti-gay organizations across the globe, warning of a potential pandemic at which gay men in San Francisco were at the epicenter.
The publication was released in response to a request from Clinton Fein, who in the immediate aftermath of the irresponsible media coverage that followed, along with activists Michael Petrelis and Hank Wilson, had demanded and met with UCSF to ensure this type of incident did not happen again.
Fein later testified before the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, reporting on the promises made by UCSF, and urging the San Francisco Department of Public Health take steps to educate gyms and schools of the real dangers of MRSA, to counter attacks on the gay community, and to communicate that all populations could take steps to protect themselves.
“I am pleased UCSF released this update relating to the progress they have made since we met with them last year,” said Fein. “In the wake of an alarming new study relating to a new strain of MRSA called USA600 it is critical that accurate and truthful information about the transmission be reiterated.”
In a written response on behalf of Barbara French, Associate Vice Chancellor of University Relations, Shane Snowdon, Director of LGBT Resources at UCSF, characterized the document as an “overview of what we’ve done in relation to what was discussed at the meeting, answering your [Fein's] specific questions, and providing additional information.” Snowdon added, “We appreciate your following up on the February meeting, which helped catalyze a number of important initiatives here at UCSF.”
Fein also pointed to the UCSF document as a solid refutation of the misinformation campaign that resulted from the initial release. “Organizations like Concerned Women for America, Americans for Truth, and Eagle Forum, headed by the likes of Matt Barber, Peter LaBarbera and Andrew Schlafly, have misappropriated the San Francisco Chronicle’s story to spread lies and misinformation about homosexuality, demonize the gay community, and endanger any children who play sport or may be at higher risk for MRSA exposure,” said Fein.
“It’s quite stunning that these supposedly religious buffoons, in organizations that are breeding grounds for ignorance and stupidity, would sooner place children at risk in pursuit of a broader agenda filled with hate than tell the truth,” Fein added. "In the wake of this updated information from UCSF, these men will either expose themselves for the deliberate liars they are, or be forced to make a public retraction."
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The UCSF document, UCSF’s Response to Community Criticism of the Initial Press Release Regarding the UCSF MRSA Study Published in January 2008: An Overview Prepared by Shane Snowdon, Director, UCSF LGBT Center, can be downloaded here.
