NASA Internal Memo: National Whistleblower Appreciation Day – July 30, 2020

 

 

AGENCYWIDE MESSAGE TO ALL NASA CIVIL SERVICE AND CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES

 

Point of Contact: Cedric D. Campbell, NASA, Office of Inspector General, 281-244-6122,

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National Whistleblower Appreciation Day – July 30, 2020

 

At the height of the American Revolution, ten sailors reported wrongdoing and abuses committed by the highest-ranking officer in the Continental Navy that included mistreatment of British prisoners.  Although the whistleblowers endured scorn, ridicule, and retaliation, the courts validated their allegations and the Naval Officer was brought to justice.  (For a more complete story of the Whistleblowers of 1777, please see the Ted Talk by Stephen Kohn, founding director of the National Whistleblower Center, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BCBhu-UOCY )

 

Inspired by the patriotism and selflessness of those sailors, on July 30, 1778, our Founding Fathers passed the nation’s first whistleblower law stating:  

 

“That it is the duty of all persons in the service of the United States, as well as all other inhabitants thereof, to give the earliest information to Congress or any other proper authority of any misconduct, frauds or misdemeanors committed by any persons in the service of these states, which may come to their knowledge.”

 

From that historic day, courageous men and women have answered the call of our Founders by exposing crime, fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in government operations. For that sacrifice, all whistleblowers deserve our protection, admiration, and appreciation.  In honor of these brave individuals, each year since 2015 the United States Senate has passed a resolution designating July 30th as “National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.”

 

While whistleblowers continue to be essential to our search for truth in government operations and necessary to safeguard the NASA workforce, the era of COVID-19 has imbued this moment with special significance and unique challenges. 

 

Administrator Bridenstine has stated unequivocally that during this pandemic the safety of the NASA workforce is paramount and will guide all business-related decisions.  As we thoughtfully consider resuming our onsite work schedules, I am certain all NASA managers will heed the Administrator’s guidance and listen closely to the needs of our valued employees. 

 

If you have questions related to disclosures of wrongdoing, whistleblowing, or retaliation, you may call the NASA Whistleblower Protection Coordinator at (281) 244-6122 or email: HQ-OIG-Counsel@mail.nasa.gov.  For more information, please visit the NASA Whistleblower Protection website at https://oig.nasa.gov/whistleblower.html

 

Be safe and please join me in celebrating National Whistleblower Appreciation Day!

 

Respectfully,

 

Cedric D. Campbell

NASA Whistleblower Protection Coordinator

NASA, Office of Inspector General

 

 

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This notice is being sent agencywide to all employees by NASA INC in the Office of Communications at NASA Headquarters.