July 30, historically recognized as National Whistleblower Day, commemorates the bold vision of our Founding Fathers and their uncompromising support for whistleblowers. This year marks the 244th anniversary of America’s first whistleblower law, passed unanimously on July 30, 1778, during the height of the American Revolution. This occurred just two years after the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence and became a new, singular nation.

The passage of the law occurred after 10 whistleblowers reported wrongdoing and abuses committed by a superior officer in the Continental Navy for abuse of British prisoners of war. It established the then-radical expectation that “all persons in the service of the United States”—as well as all of its inhabitants—inform “Congress or other proper authority of any misconduct, frauds or misdemeanors committed by any officers or persons in the service of these states, which may come to their knowledge.”

In 2022, from July 28-July 30, the National Whistleblower Center is holding its annual event commemorating the contributions of whistleblowers around the world who have bravely stepped forward to expose waste, fraud and abuse. The first day’s exhibit, “Government/Legislative,” features speakers presenting on the importance and benefit of whistleblowers to the United States government.

To register for any or all of the free, live virtual event, please RSVP here.

The USDA Whistleblower Protection Coordinator is committed to educating USDA’s workforce about whistleblower retaliation and associated protections. The WPC is responsible for informing departmental and agency employees about prohibitions on retaliation/reprisal for protected disclosures. The WPC educates those who have made, or are contemplating making, a protected disclosure about the rights and remedies against retaliation for such disclosures. Legislation prohibits the WPC from acting as employees’ or former employees’ legal representative, agent or advocate.

For further information and or questions, please contact the WPC via email: OIGWPC@oig.usda.gov.

In furtherance of this effort, the WPC is pleased to announce the deployment of several whistleblower protection related training modules in AgLearn for all Title 5 USDA Federal employees.  

1. The training (https://aglearn.usda.gov/course/view.php?id=59105) 
introduces whistleblower protection legislation, guidance on filing a whistleblower complaint, and actions one can take if retaliation occurs. All federal employees new to the federal government and all current employees are supplied information on whistleblower protections upon entering the federal workforce and annually.

2. In addition, all federal supervisors must complete training (https://aglearn.usda.gov/course/view.php?id=59068) on whistleblower protections, upon appointment and annually. 

If you have any questions about these AgLearn training opportunities, please contact your agency training coordinator. 

NOTE: This training is not assigned or available to Title 7 USDA Non-Federal employees.