In 1991, the Smithsonian found itself in an indemnification dilemma. Say that five times fast. In 1988, zoologist Dr. Richard Mitchell, who had been detailed from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to the Smithsonian, was embroiled in controversy when he allegedly returned from a trip to China with “argali” mountain sheep trophies, violating the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Although Mitchell had not been traveling on Smithsonian business or funds, the Smithsonian used federal and trust funding to help pay for his legal fees, since Mitchell had been affiliated at the time. But was this the right decision? Aid a group of volunpeers in transcribing this Board of Regents report, in which the members discuss all of this and so much more.
In 1991, the Smithsonian found itself in an indemnification dilemma. Say that five times fast. In 1988, zoologist Dr. Richard Mitchell, who had been detailed from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to the Smithsonian, was embroiled in controversy when he allegedly returned from a trip to China with “argali” mountain sheep trophies, violating the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Although Mitchell had not been traveling on Smithsonian business or funds, the Smithsonian used federal and trust funding to help pay for his legal fees, since Mitchell had been affiliated at the time. But was this the right decision? Aid a group of volunpeers in transcribing this Board of Regents report, in which the members discuss all of this and so much more.
For more context about the legal battle, learn about what the U.S. General Accounting Office had to say. And for more on these Regents reports, head to the finding aid.