UB statement regarding John Kapoor verdict

In 2019, the SUNY Board of Trustees revoked the naming of John and Editha Kapoor Hall as well as John Kapoor's honorary degree. More information is available in the university’s News Center.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The following is a statement from the University at Buffalo regarding today's verdict concerning John Kapoor and Insys Therapeutics Inc.

"The university is aware of Dr. Kapoor’s conviction in federal court today. The leadership of UB is currently reviewing and discussing the impact under UB and SUNY policies pertaining to university namings. The university recognizes the seriousness of this matter and is giving it very careful consideration.

The illegal and unethical activities brought to light during the trial are in stark contrast to UB’s core values and our mission to improve lives, strengthen communities and positively change the world.”

These will be the university’s only comments at this time on the Kapoor verdict and its impact.

Background information:

Why was the UB pharmacy school building named for John Kapoor?

The building that is home to UB’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences bears the name of John Kapoor and his deceased wife in recognition of their long-time philanthropic support of the school and the university.

What is the UB policy and process for removing a donor’s name from a building?

UB policy allows for modification of a naming if a future action or event occurs that will cause irreparable injury to the university’s image, reputation, or ability to pursue its mission or if the donor does not fulfill his/her gift commitment at the completion of the agreed-upon payment period.

Under this policy, the “unnaming” of a building follows the same process used for a naming: recommendation by UB’s vice president for university advancement, followed by presidential and UB Council approval, followed by review and approval by the SUNY chancellor and a final decision by the SUNY Board of Trustees.

What is the university’s timeline for making a decision on removing the Kapoor name?

We are currently reviewing and discussing policy and procedures. There is no firm timeline for a decision but we expect one to be made in a timely manner, with the understanding that there are policies and procedures that must be followed.

Why didn’t the university’s review of its naming policy conclude soon after Kapoor was arrested?

University leadership believed it was prudent to wait until the conclusion of the trial so that the review would consider the full scope of what was brought to light during the trial, and the criminal charges that resulted.

What is the university doing to address the opiate addiction crisis?

UB is committed to combating the opiate addiction crisis every day in multiple ways and involving researchers, clinicians, educators and students from across the university.

For example, more than 160 researchers at UB are investigating some aspect of addiction, from exploring its basic scientific mechanisms to developing new approaches to patient care. And our faculty are partnering with several local organizations to develop guidelines for addiction care, educate health care providers and contribute expertise on all aspects of managing, treating and preventing addiction.

Among the many efforts underway at UB: