David S. Talaga

Assistant Professor

Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Rutgers University

Piscataway, New Jersey

25 August 2001

 

 

Marc H. Brodsky (via e-mail)

CEO and Executive Director

American Institute of Physics

One Physics Ellipse

College Park, Maryland 20740

 

Dear Dr. Brodsky:

 

I was deeply troubled to learn of the dismissal of Jeff Schmidt, who had been an articles editor at Physics Today magazine for over 19 years.  As I understand it, Dr. Schmidt was fired because of his book, Disciplined Minds, and in particular because he allegedly had used some of his spare time at the office for critical writing about education and employment in physics and other fields.

 

This action jeopardizes the legitimacy of not only Physics Today, but also the American Institute of Physics as a whole.  As head of the AIP you have an obligation to promote free debate within the physics community.  The physics community cannot abide by such actions and remain healthy.

 

I have always taken for granted the freedom of expression that is one of the pillars of American society.  These events underscore the words of John Philip Curran over 210 years ago:  "The condition upon which God hath given liberty to men is eternal vigilance."

 

Sincerely yours,

 

David S. Talaga