Dr. Sean J. Freeman
Lecturer in Physics
Schools and Colleges Liaison Officer in
Physics
Nuclear Physics Research Group
Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of Manchester
Manchester, England
24 August 2001
Marc Brodsky
(via e-mail)
CEO and
Executive Director
American
Institute of Physics
One Physics
Ellipse
College
Park, Maryland 20740
Dear Dr.
Brodsky:
Quite
frankly I find the situation concerning Jeff Schmidt really quite astounding in
this day and age. I'm obviously outside
of the story entirely, but as presented is pretty damning as far as the
position of the AIP is concerned.
It is
unfortunate for the particular individual himself, but on a wider view it seems
very, very foolish of the AIP to allow itself to be put into such an exposed
position over the matter of intellectual freedom and employees rights.
I would
therefore urge you strongly to reconsider the your decisions concerning this matter
and withdraw from what will inevitably be a costly courtroom battle. I presume that if you lose the costs will
ultimately come from AIP members themselves.
Sincerely
Sean J. Freeman