Timothy R. McVeigh (no relation to the Oklahoma City bomber) was a highly decorated, 17-year veteran of the U.S. Navy. McVeigh was a gay male who, while using an alias, sent an e-mail message to a civilian navy volunteer through AOL.

The volunteer searched through AOL’s member profi le directory and learned some information about the sender; eventually this information and McVeigh’s identity found their way to senior offi cials in the navy. McVeigh was then found to be in violation of the military’s policy of “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” an offense that warrants discharge for homosexuality. McVeigh brought suit, attempting to prevent the military from ordering his discharge. Will McVeigh be allowed to offer as an argument that his e-mail to the volunteer cannot be used against him due to his right to privacy? [ McVeigh v. Cohen , 983 F. Supp. 215 (Washington, D.C.).]