Job-Seekers Advised to Avoid WikiLeaks

There is discussion that individuals seeking Federal jobs that require obtaining a security clearance ought to resist the temptation to access and read classified U.S. diplomatic cables disseminated by WikiLeaks.

According to a report in the Christian Science Monitor, at least two universities have advised students not to read the cables, which remain classified, if they seek a career in the foreign service.

A Washington Post columnist specializing in Federal workforce issues also suggests that accessing the cables could be detrimental to one’s career, though he notes important mitigating circumstances.

U.S. Government agencies reportedly have cautioned employees that the cables, despite appearing widely in the press, remain classified and that accessing them without proper clearances or on an unclassified computer network could be a violation of U.S. law.

We won’t get into the debate over free-speech issues and whether or not the Feds are over-reacting, but it is probably wise for current and aspiring Federal employees to resist any temptation to access the documents or make known that they have by, such as, commenting on them online.

Filed Under: Laws & Regulations, Adjudication, Adverse Actions