PEER Files Lawsuit to Protect Civil Servants

There is growing concern that a re-elected President Trump will use his power to purge civil servants identified as opponents of his agenda or as members of the so-called “Deep State.” 

In response, last week PEER filed a lawsuit demanding the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) finalize regulations to curb excessive administrative and investigatory leave within 60 days. This step is crucial to protect civil servants from being unfairly sidelined. 

In 2016, Congress passed the Administrative Leave Act to stop the misuse of involuntary leaves, directing OPM to finalize regulations by September 19, 2017.

However, OPM has failed to act. 

Our experience shows that whistleblowers and employees who speak inconvenient truths are often placed on excessive administrative leave, sending a chilling message to others that dissent will not be tolerated. 

Now more than ever, we need a civil service free from undue political influence where dissent is respected. We will keep you updated on our lawsuit and other efforts to safeguard federal employees. 

Thank you for your support.
Tim Whitehouse 

PS—Our Double Trouble campaign is in full swing. Remember, all new and increased gifts will be matched 2:1! If you care about whistleblowers and empowering our democracy, now is a great time to make a gift!

Join us for our next webinar with our partners at Government Accountability Project: Hidden Hazards: Whistleblowers, Industry Influence, and the Fight Against Toxics. Register Here>>

2024 is a pivotal year for democracy everywhere. This summer, YOU have the chance to seize the moment to demand accountability and empower our democracy. From now until September 20th: All gifts to PEER will be matched 1:1, new and increased gifts will be matched 2:1. Join us, give to PEER this summer, and get into good trouble! Read more>>

PEER is protesting a final rule by the National Park Service that authorizes, in Alaska, the killing of wolves and coyotes, including pups, during the denning season; the use of dogs and artificial lights at den sites to kill black bears, including cubs and sows with cubs; and the killing of swimming caribou, including from a motorboat. Read more>>

PEER and the Isleboro Island Trust in Maine are criticizing the state’s refusal to let citizen scientists document legally protected vernal pools on Sears Island, one of the largest undeveloped Islands on the East Coast. Maine is pushing to develop Sears Island into a port for floating offshore wind turbines, despite the availability of a nearby existing port. Read more >>

PEER’s executive director Tim Whitehouse, discusses how a recent decision by the Supreme Court’s lays bare the importance of civil society and elected officials finding ways to rebalance the relationships between the three branches of government and to support the ability of federal agencies to effectively implement federal laws. Read more >>

Jeff Ruch, PEER’s Pacific Director, criticizes NOAA for publishing an updated scientific integrity policy without the opportunity for public comment and for failing to make meaningful improvements to the new policy. The new policy will do little to restore public faith in the trustworthiness of NOAA science. Read more >>