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