Last week the man at the heart of the maelstrom came to SEGL.  FBI Director James Comey, whose decision not to indict Hillary Clinton for improper use of a private email server (and, later, to inform Congress he was reviewing additional emails) have profoundly impacted the current Presidential campaign, spent over an hour with SEGL students in our main parlor.  The visit was collegial, exciting, and meaningful.

Though Director Comey’s remarks were off the record, he did address the controversy over Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server, the way partisan politics influences (or does not influence) decision making at non-partisan institutions like the FBI, and other challenges.  One student asked him about his biggest mistake, and another (with a nod toward the current controversy) asked for Comey’s definition of “extremely careless.”  He also provided students with leadership advice that many took to heart.

At the end of the session, one student broke with SEGL decorum and asked Comey for a “selfie” photo.  Always gracious, the Director accepted and then offered other students the same opportunity.  As you can see in the photos below, many took advantage of his generosity!

We often use the hashtag #bestpossibleopportunity on social media.  (“Best possible opportunity” is a phrase from the SEGL Mission Statement.)  Last week, Director Comey helped us live out that ambitious mission.