You Can't Go Home Again
The editorial in the 13 July issue of Science incorrectly stated: "It is a criminal offense for any employee of government to receive pay from a source other than government." John W. Macy, Jr., chairman of the U.S. Civil Service Commission, has furnished the following correction.
An official or employee of the U.S. government is prohibited from receiving payment "in connection with his services as such an official or employee from any source other than the Government of the United States, except as may be contributed out of the treasury of any State, county, or municipality" (Section 1914, Title 18, U.S. Code).
There is no overall prohibition against government employees holding and being paid for nongovernmental jobs. The head of any agency may issue regulations governing or prohibiting the outside employment of members of that agency. Most agencies permit their professional employees to accept teaching, lecturing, or writing assignments that do not conflict with their official duties.
