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PRESS RELEASE:
Society of American Archivists Congratulates New NARA Head, Calls for Due
Process in Future Archivist of the United States Appointments
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, February 11, 2005—The Society of American Archivists
(SAA) today congratulated Dr. Allen Weinstein on his confirmation as Archivist
of the United States, a position that places him at the head of the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). “During informal conversations,
Dr. Weinstein has expressed his commitment to the independence of NARA and pledged
collaboration with professional archival organizations,” SAA President
Randall C. Jimerson said today. “We look forward to working closely with
him as he assumes this vital leadership position.”
At the same time, SAA reiterated its concern that the process of nominating
a new Archivist of the United States “was undertaken outside both the
letter and the spirit of the law” and compromises the political independence
of NARA. Weinstein was originally nominated on April 8, 2004, to succeed John
Carlin as NARA head.
“Congress intended that filling the position of Archivist of the United
States should involve an open process, with consultation with appropriate professional
organizations that could speak from knowledge and experience concerning the
qualifications of nominees,” SAA stated in July 22, 2004, written testimony
to the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, which conducted hearings on Weinstein’s
nomination. The President has power to remove the Archivist, but if he takes
this action, the law calls for him to provide Congress with an explanation
of his reasons. “Despite repeated requests, we still have not received
an explanation of why this nomination had to move so quickly that interested
professional associations could not be consulted,” Jimerson said. “The
nomination should have been postponed to allow the process prescribed by law
to be followed. At a minimum we hope that the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee
will begin working with interested professional associations to establish a
more formal—and more accountable—procedure that can be used for
future nominations.”
Given the absence of due process, SAA chose neither to support nor to oppose
Weinstein’s appointment. “However,” Jimerson said, “I
have personally assured Dr. Weinstein that SAA will offer our assistance and
cooperation. As Archivist of the United States, he has a pivotal role in the
preservation of the nation’s archives, including records held at NARA
and in the states. He takes office at a time of crisis as the President’s
budget includes significant cuts in the NARA budget that pose a major threat
to the preservation of the nation’s historical memory.”
The Society of American Archivists is a national professional organization
representing more than 4,000 individual and institutional members. Its mission
is to serve the education and information needs of its members and to provide
leadership to ensure the identification, preservation, and use of the nation’s
historical record.
For information, contact:
Nancy Beaumont
Society of American Archivists
312/922-0140
nbeaumont@archivists.org
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