Twenty-eight NASA scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory have filed a class-action suit against Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 [1] (HSPD-12),  reports FCW.com [2].

Under HSPD-12, agencies must issue personal identity verification cards to all government employees. Federal workers are required to undergo fresh background checks prior to receiving cards.

The scientists argue the directive violates their right to privacy.

Zareh Gorjianm, a technical staff member in JPL’s Modeling, Simulation and Visualization Group, told FCW.com that "[b]y signing this supposed ‘voluntary waiver’ I’m giving government investigators or whomever they designate the right to look into all areas of my private life.”

A preliminary injunction hearing will be held September 24.