NASA Security resorts to threats

From the "Ask the Administrator" section of a NASA website:

From: Anonymous (Johnson Space Center)
Date: 18-Dec-2007

Question(s):
Reports are coming in from JSC that people who are waiting to sign the newly required HSPD-12 release of information forms are being brought into rooms where security agents make threats to get them to sign forms immediately.

These threats are reported to include the immediate removal of all access if forms or letters of intent are not signed on the spot. Also reported is the threat of a permanent ban to all NASA facilities and statements saying that the employees immediate actions will be irreversible, even if they change their mind later!!

These threats are also reported to be infused with constant statements saying "Just sign the forms and this will all go away and be much easier". All of this is being done without any involvement of NASA or contractor management, claiming confidentiality concerns, leaving these "uncooperative individuals" scared and fearful that their immediate actions might affect their livelihood for the rest of their lives.

This is insane! This gustapo-like behavior must stop! NASA management must take an immediate stand to start protecting their employees and contractor personnel! I wish I could tell these employees to report this up the chain, but they all fear retaliation.

Please respond to this outrageous behavior.

Response:

As I have written in previous responses to similar questions, there is no Constitutional "right" to a security clearance or to federal employment. A requirement of NASA employment is that we voluntarily submit to background checks through the HSPD-12 process. That being said, allegations of threatening behavior in this process are serious, and such conduct would not be acceptable. Any employee who has such concerns should report them through their management chain or to their local IG's office.