The role of an Institutional Review Board in the Equity and Excellence Review

Based on my experience as a member of my University's Human Studies Council/Institutional Review Board, along with holding a certification in NIH Research Ethics and a B.A. in Psychology, I strongly believe that this is a research study - BEFORE anything else. Due to the inclusion of a vulnerable population (children) and the inclusion of individuals who are economically disadvantaged (lower socioeconomic class) this study presents risk and will require a full review by the IRB of Loyola University. I have left a message for Dr. Raymond H. Dye, Chair of the Loyola University Chicago IRB to inquire about the procedures that Dr. Marlon James must follow in order to have his research approved by their IRB and to request a copy of the approval application that Dr. Marlon James filed, or will file, with the IRB. I have also stated, as a parent in Windsor, that this study has not received the approval of town residents and is creating a conflict between community members.

Per Federal Regulation, and published on the Loyola IRB website (http://www.luc.edu/irb/) "All research involving human subjects that is carried out by Loyola lakeside personnel must be submitted to the Lakeside IRB for review. All research projects which will involve human subjects, whether funded or unfunded, must be submitted to the IRB for review. Research conducted by an investigator affiliated with Loyola at an off-campus site(s) or in collaboration with an investigator at another institution must still be submitted to the Lakeside IRB." I strongly urge community members who believe that this study is being approved by the Windsor BOE without parental consent to please consider sending an e-mail to: Dr. Dye at rdye@luc.edu and Cc the Assistant Director of Research Compliance, Andrew Ellis, ataellis5@luc.edu .

I received a response from Dr. Dye and it appears that Dr. Marlon James has yet to submit a research proposal to the Loyola University IRB.  This would indicate the the Board of Education's decision to contract Dr. Marlon James is a decision made in haste and with little regard for the ethical protocols for research involving humans subjects.  The blatant disregard for the welfare of our students, with the priority of solely increasing test scores is something that should not be overlooked.  It is apparent that the Board of Education is not fully aware of the implications and risks that they are posing to the student body of Windsor High School and I strongly suggest that parents voice their concerns.