Saturday, September 1, 2007

Oxford University Protests in solidarity with SPEAK

Fighting to Free Felix

On Saturday, September 1, 2007, activists gathered in Oxford, England, for a march and rally on behalf of an Oxford University captive primate named Felix. Hundreds of protesters spoke out for Felix and others like him. In solidarity with SPEAK, Win Animal Rights held a night of action in New York City. Activists visited the homes of employees of Oxford University Press, which provides key financial support for Oxford University, influential members of the Oxford Alumni Association of New York and corporate financial supporters of the University.

Demo #1 - Lamberto Andreotti, President - Worldwide Pharmaceuticals - Bristol-Myers Squibb CEO - Huntingdon Life Sciences

The first stop of the night was the home of Lamberto Andreotti, President of Worldwide Pharmaceuticals for Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS). Research has revealed that Bristol-Myers Squibb is among several large drug companies that act as major financial supporters of Oxford University. Luckily, we were aware of Andreotti’s prestigious Central Park West address as Bristol-Myers Squibb is also a customer of the notorious animal testing lab Huntingdon Life Sciences and no stranger to WAR protests.

It was a pleasant summer evening on Central Park West and the sidewalk was teaming with pedestrians. All were offered a specially prepared pamphlet that detailed the relationship between Oxford University, the Oxford Alumni Association, Oxford University Press and drug companies like BMS. Many stopped to chat with the protesters and most showed open signs of support.

Activists only interrupted the protest to take a few minutes to point a finger and shame the drivers and tourists riding in the disgraceful horse drawn carriages that frequent Central Park West. Shouting loudly “There is no excuse for animal abuse” and “Shame, Shame, Shame on you”; protesters drew the attention of many on both sides of the thruway. Fingers flew and expletives were hurled by the uncouth slave drivers. Activists retaliated in like kind. It must have been a less than pleasant experience for the tourists.

Demo #2 - Guy Spier - President - Oxford University Alumni Association of New York

Just blocks away from Lincoln Center, activists next visited the home of Guy Spier, President of the Oxford University Alumni Association of New York. When we first took up this campaign and protested at the Oxford University Alumni Association North American Reunion held at the Waldorf Astoria last year, we spoke to Guy who stopped at our literature table.

At the time, we gave him a packet of information and suggested that the Alumni Association was in a position to influence the University. Obviously the graphic photos and the compelling arguments fell on deaf ears. Perhaps Guy will hear our message better when we shout it out at the top of our lungs on his relatively quiet street. Activists promised to keep coming back to Guy’s home until we are sure that he has gotten the message. Plans are underway to cover the bi-annual Oxford University Alumni Association North American Reunion next April. It is once again being held at the Waldorf Astoria.

POSTPONED: Demo #3 - Un-named Publisher - Oxford University Press

Our last stop of the evening was way uptown in the most northern part of the city. When we arrived and attempted to confirm that an Oxford University Press Publisher lived at that address, we were told by a helpful neighbor that the publisher had moved to Greenwich Village. Although there wasn’t time to head to his new address that evening, activists promised to make him first on the list for the next round of demos.

Win Animal Rights has pledged to continue the protests in support of the SPEAK campaign until the building of the Oxford University Lab is halted.