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Columbia: Tweet About WikiLeaks If You Like
By
Garth Johnston
Published Dec 6, 2010
Modified Dec 6, 2010
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By
Garth Johnston
Published Dec 6, 2010
Modified Dec 6, 2010
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Want a job in the government where you might learn classified information? Then don't go around tweeting about WikiLeaks, m'kay? Or, wait, tweet what you like. Columbia University is a touch conflicted on the issue.
This weekend the Columbia Spectator pointed out a memo sent to students interested in working for the government that asked them to “NOT post links to these documents nor make comments on social media sites such as Facebook or through Twitter. Engaging in these activities would call into question your ability to deal with confidential information, which is part of most positions with the federal government.” Got that? Good, now forget it.
Today the school's dean John Coatsworth chimes in on the matter with a quick reversal: "Freedom of information and expression is a core value of our institution. Thus, SIPA’s position is that students have a right to discuss and debate any information in the public arena that they deem relevant to their studies or to their roles as global citizens, and to do so without fear of adverse consequences." So, if you want to talk about WikiLeaks in a public forum, feel free. Big brother is still totally going to check when they get your job application though.
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Garth Johnston
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