The Faculty Senate will vote today on a controversial resolution that would bar tobacco companies from funding University-sponsored research projects.

The resolution — which was introduced by Electrical Engineering Prof. Bernd Girod at the Senate’s Apr. 19 meeting — proposes that “Stanford University will not enter into sponsored research agreements with companies that make or market tobacco products.”

Faculty and administrators butted heads over the issue at their meeting last month, as opponents argued that prohibiting tobacco-funded research could lead to a slippery slope for the banning of more research. Proponents of the measure said that the University has a moral obligation to disassociate itself from the tobacco industry, which they said manipulates University research for its own ends.

The resolution’s supporters include Medical School Dean Philip Pizzo and Law Prof. Hank Greely ‘74, one of the proposal’s co-signers. Opponents include President John Hennessy and Provost John Etchemendy.

Hennessy decried the resolution, calling it “a political message,” while Medical School Dean Philip Pizzo said that he supported the proposal on ethical grounds.

The Faculty Senate will convene at 3:15 this afternoon in room 180 of the Law School.