The past 12 months have been historic for whistleblowers and their advocates. From the emergence of truth-tellers to enacting critical federal legislation and setting financial records, whistleblower activities proved crucial for the legal landscape, public health, and national security of the United States. Credible data demonstrates that public support of whistleblowers and the political leaders who support them is high.
The fight for whistleblower recognition has been long. And, together, we will continue fighting until whistleblowers are consistently recognized as the national heroes they are. I commend Jane Turner and the heroic whistleblowers calling President Biden to designate July 30th National Whistleblower Day permanently. As President Biden stated in his 2023 State of the Union Address, it is time to “Finish the Job” and make National Whistleblower Day permanent.
Establishing National Whistleblower Day on July 30th
NWC has advocated for July 30th to be the permanent day of observance for a decade. The date is significant, as it honors the passage of the first whistleblower law in the U.S. in 1778.
National Whistleblower Day aims to change the culture by honoring the contributions of whistleblowers and demanding their respect by requiring that federal agencies educate their employees on July 30th.
I support the call to make National Whistleblower Day Permanent because whether they look to the history books or to recent news and achievements for inspiration, employers and agency leaders can help employees spot the signs of retaliation and further support whistleblowers in their efforts to expose and help prosecute corruption and other wrongdoing around the world. Our duty in the United States is to lead the charge to defend democracy and celebrate whistleblowers who are critical to protecting it.
A commitment by the United States to recognize the importance of whistleblowers by creating a permanent National Whistleblower Day will send a strong message in the fight against corruption worldwide. This message is sure to reach an even broader audience as Jane Turner leads this critical national campaign to make National Whistleblower Day permanent.
Fraud, corruption, and waste can only be rooted out by addressing the culture that silences those trying to speak the truth. An executive order signed by President Biden for a permanent National Whistleblower Day will require the government to acknowledge the importance of increasing openness and transparency. Join me in the fight for justice and recognition for whistleblowers. Let’s make history again this year!