JPL background check from the front line

The 11-page form required basic information, as in every background check but with some additions including open-ended questions that could lead to extensive investigation, Nelson said.

“It could turn into a fishing expedition,” Nelson said of the investigation into the employees’ sexual and medical history.

His coworker Paradise reviewed with Nelson the history of the lawsuit with the audience. Throughout the meeting, whispers of “Big Brother is watching” could be heard. Paradise said she didn’t start out thinking that way but the longer time passes the more she is swayed.

Right now they will continue their fight. Attorney Keeny said that a final decision in the case could take several months to a year or more. That takes money. The employees are paying for the legal fees out of their own pockets however they have been getting donations from fellow scientists.

“I was at a seminar a while back and a grad student came and handed me money,” Nelson said. “He said he didn’t have a lot but thought their fight was his fight as well.”

Nelson said what they really need are people to write letters to all the politicians in California and throughout the country.

“Keep this out there in the public and political debates,” he said.