The Christian Science Monitor reports that the FBI is offering an outreach program to universities handling “sensitive” research to help them learn how to spot spies.

The Boston Globe reports that the FBI’s Boston field office recently issued a warning to all area colleges and universities, advising them to protect any sensitive research from overly inquisitive students. Warren Bamford, the special agent in charge of the office, told the Globe that agents will visit numerous New England colleges in the next few months as part of a national outreach. The office has also offered to brief faculty, students, and security staff on how to spot “espionage indicators.”

The ACLU, naturally, is upset:

John Reinstein, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, expressed reservations about the program, warning that there could be a chilling effect on students or researchers.

‘’Are you going to ask all the questions you want to ask if someone is out there taking notes and reporting to the FBI that you asked the question which they perceived as suspicious?’’ Reinstein said.

I wonder if it’s occurred to Mr. Reinstein that one purpose of the FBI’s proffered training and information is to avoid false reports of espionage?

I mean, is it really so bad that the FBI wants to keep certain types of important research out of the hands of our enemies?  Just who is the ACLU trying to protect here?