New energy department policy protects scientists from censorship

A new Department of Energy policy to protect the free speech of scientists and engineers was in development before Donald Trump was elected. The policy will allow employees to share their opinions and results through public forums, the press and social media without prior approval. (The Christian Science Monitor, January 12, 2017, by Yu-Ning Aileen Chuang of the Medill News Service)

The policy called the scientific integrity policy prevents censorship or altering of scientific documents or asking scientists to change scientific conclusions. The policy extends to both contractors and energy department employees. It remains to be seen if the Trump administration with former Texas Governor Rick Perry at the energy helm will implement the policy. (Union of Concerned Scientists, January 11, 2017, by Michael Halpern of the Center of Science & Democracy)