Decision of Ethics Committee on Complaint by Grant Perks

377 Huse Rd. #23
Manchester, NH 03103

January 10, 2007

U.S. Chess Federation
Attn. Pat Knight
P.O. Box 3967
Crossville, TN 38557


Dear Pat:

The USCF Ethics Committee has considered the complaint by Grant Perks
against Sam Sloan. By a vote of 8-1, the Committee finds that some of
the statements cited by Mr. Perks in his complaint constitute a
violation of the Code of Ethics. By a further vote of 9-0, the
Committee recommends that Mr. Sloan receive a reprimand.

The statements cited by Mr. Perks fell into three general categories:
(1) charges that Perks was fired from his position at USCF, (2)
charges that Perks and Ernest Schlich were employees of USCF and thus
ineligible to be candidates in the Executive Board election of 2005
and (3) charges that Perks and Beatriz Marinello committed crimes
during the course of their duties at USCF.

The principle of free speech must be given great respect. However, the
Committee majority concluded than there must be a limit to what is
permitted in civilized discourse, even on a public forum during an
election campaign. The majority concluded that while the statements in
categories (1) and (2) do not cross this threshold, the category (3)
statements do. Accusations of criminal activity are inherently
inflammatory and harmful to the reputation of the accused and the
majority finds that Mr. Sloan made these charges with a reckless
disregard for their truth or falsehood.

By a vote of 9-0, the Committee agrees that this letter fairly
represents its position.


Sincerely,
Hal Terrie (2006-07 Ethics Committee Chair)