People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals accused UNC of laboratory animal abuse and neglect after it released video footage Thursday that was taken with a hidden camera by an undercover investigator.
Kate Turlington, PETA's investigator, was hired in October as a lab researcher at the Thurston Bowles Building. During her employment, Turlington wore a hidden video camera under her clothing and videotaped the alleged mistreatments for six months.
PETA is working on formalizing its allegations against UNC after receiving a letter from the National Institutes of Health asking for the complaint, said PETA representative Mary Beth Sweetland. She said PETA hopes to finalize the complaint by Wednesday.
Provost Robert Shelton said Thursday that he doubts UNC will change its hiring practices to stop future undercover investigations. "One of the strengths of this University is its openness," he said. "I would be shocked if we changed our hiring methods."
Laurie Charest, associate vice chancellor for human resources, said UNC has no provisions employees must sign that would have prevented Turlington from disclosing her observations to PETA.
Charest echoed Shelton's reservation against confidentiality requirements.
"I don't see that we would have any interest in having a confidentiality agreement," she said. "We have an interest in people doing the right thing and reporting any problems they have with their work environment."
Although Turlington defended her application's integrity, Charest said submitting a r