Clearance Suspensions in History

It is notable that on this day in 1953, Dr. Robert Oppenheimer, a Jewish American, was notified that his security clearance was suspended. (He had directed the Manhattan Project that produced the atomic bombs used during WW II). There were allegations questioning his trustworthiness for association with Communists.

By telegram dated 29 Jan 1954, he requested a hearing. On 4 Mar 1954, he submitted his answer to the original notification. Within two weeks, the Commission informed him who would conduct the hearing, to be led by Gordon Gray. The hearing before the Gray Board began 12 Apr 1954. It returned a result on 29 Jun 1954 that by a vote of 4 to1, it had made a decision against reinstating Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer’s access to classified information.

(Hat tip to This Day in Jewish History blog)

Filed Under: Adverse Actions