Ellen Zweibel

Member, American Astronomical Society

Member, American Physical Society

30 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 am quite disturbed by the report I received on the dismissal of Jeff Schmidt from Physics Today. In addition to what sounds like denial of Dr. Schmidt's right to free speech, it sounds as though Physics Today has instituted draconian policies on employee activities in the workplace which are out of line with standard practice, and which will have a chilling effect on the staff of Physics Today. As a longstanding member of both the AAS and the APS, I am interested to hear your side of the story.

Sincerely,

Ellen Zweibel