[Right Wing Professor]

Indeed. And it is illegal to discriminate against an employee based on his (presumed) beliefs.

Sternberg is not an employee of the Smithsonian. He's an employee of NCBI.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you for your reply!

I don't think it is going to matter what his affiliation was concerning the Smithsonian. It is an abuse of power for one on the public dole to try to destroy a person's career, reputation and such:

He said museum authorities contacted his employers at NIH, seeking his ouster.

In any event, such malicious conduct is a legal tort.

I'm sure they'll find several legal theories to pursue - discrimination, abuse of power, tortious conduct and who knows what else... Once it is in court, the Smithsonian cannot refuse to cooperate.