New legislation introduced in both the House and the Senate could be important to the fight against federal agencies’ policies that prohibit employees and journalists from communicating with each other without notifying the authorities.
The Scientific Integrity Act (S. 775), aimed at ensuring that scientists and scientific research is not stifled, was introduced by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY).
Among other things the legislation says, “covered individuals” in federal agencies “may respond to media interview requests regarding their scientific or technical findings from research conducted by the individual without prior approval….”
The mere introduction of the bill may be important to efforts against the censorship policies because it is a statement against mandated oversight by the authorities for contacts with journalists. It comes in an environment where heavy prohibitions against speaking without permission and oversight are the norm.
In the legislation “covered individuals” are employees or contractors who are engaged in, supervise or manage scientific activities; analyze or publicly communicate about those activities; or use the information in making policy, management or regulatory decisions.
The bill also says, however, that the agency may require the individual to report the subject of the interview.
Importantly, the bill also says those covered individuals may talk about personal opinions, including on matters of policy, only if they indicate they are presenting personal opinions.
The legislation is supported by the Union of Concerned Scientists.
The Scientific Integrity Act (S. 775), aimed at ensuring that scientists and scientific research is not stifled, was introduced by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY).
Among other things the legislation says, “covered individuals” in federal agencies “may respond to media interview requests regarding their scientific or technical findings from research conducted by the individual without prior approval….”
The mere introduction of the bill may be important to efforts against the censorship policies because it is a statement against mandated oversight by the authorities for contacts with journalists. It comes in an environment where heavy prohibitions against speaking without permission and oversight are the norm.
In the legislation “covered individuals” are employees or contractors who are engaged in, supervise or manage scientific activities; analyze or publicly communicate about those activities; or use the information in making policy, management or regulatory decisions.
The bill also says, however, that the agency may require the individual to report the subject of the interview.
Importantly, the bill also says those covered individuals may talk about personal opinions, including on matters of policy, only if they indicate they are presenting personal opinions.
The legislation is supported by the Union of Concerned Scientists.
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