Overview
On December 10, 1999, the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 was invoked to prosecute an individual for mishandling classified information "with the intent to injure the United States" and with the intent to "secure an advantage to a foreign nation." Los Alamos physicist Wen Ho Lee was indicted on 39 counts of these violations and 20 counts from the Federal Espionage Act. The case, which concluded last September after Dr. Lee spent nine months in pre-trial solitary confinement, provides many important lessons to be examined.
The colloquium will seek to engage the MIT community about how national security interests can be protected without infringing on individual civil liberties and restricting scientific freedom. A moderated panel discussion will be held in 10-250 on Wednesday April 25 at 4:00 pm with prominent scientific and government leaders. Following the event, a reception will be held downstairs in the Bush Room, 10-105.
Click here for a photo gallery of the event.