US: Columbia reverses anti-WikiLeaks guidance

12 December 2010

Days after Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, SIPA, caused an uproar by warning its students against linking to WikiLeaks or discussing the secret-spilling website's latest cache of diplomatic cables online, the prestigious training ground for future diplomats has changed tack and embraced free speech, writes Sam Gustin for Wired.

Last week, the SIPA Office of Career Services sent an e-mail to students saying that an alumnus who works at the US State Department had recommended that current students not tweet or post links to WikiLeaks, which is in the process of releasing 250,000 US diplomatic cables - many of them classified - because doing so could hurt their career prospects in government service.

"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," the Office of Career Services wrote. Now, SIPA Dean John H Coatsworth has clarified the school's policy and issued a ringing endorsement of free speech and academic freedom.
Full report on the Wired site

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