What is National Whistleblower Day? A Brief History
National Whistleblower Day is a day to recognize the courage of whistleblowers who expose wrongdoing. It's held annually on July 30th in the United States to commemorate the passage of the first whistleblower law in 1778. Whistleblowers play a vital role in holding institutions accountable and protecting the public interest.
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KKC Staff
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Updated
July 8, 2024
National Whistleblower Appreciation Day is celebrated on July 30th each year to honor individuals who report wrongdoing within an organization. It commemorates the passage of the first whistleblower protection law in the United States on the same date in 1778.
Celebration of National Whistleblower Appreciation Day began in March of 2011, when whistleblower attorney Stephen Kohn’s book the Whistleblower’s Handbook was released, which contained original research obtained from various archives.
What is the Historical Significance of this Date?
On July 30, 1778, the Continental Congress passed the Federal Claims Act.
This act was passed to protect whistleblowers after ten sailors and marines reported Continental Navy officer Commodore Esek Hopkins of the US Navy for torturing British prisoners of war onboard the USS Warren while docked in the Providence River, RI.
This date marks the passing of the first whistleblower protection law, celebrated every year on July 30 in commemoration for the ten sailors who bravely came forward to end this type of cruel and inhumane behavior.
How Did National Whistleblower Appreciation Day Come to Be?
The day’s significance was rediscovered through historical research published in a 2011 book by whistleblower attorney Stephen Kohn.
The book, the Whistleblower’s Handbook, included original research obtained from the National Archives, the Library of Congress, the Historical Society of Rhode Island, and the Continental Congress among other sources, documenting the history behind the first whistleblower law.
Senator Charles Grassley then championed the official recognition of the day, by putting together a resolution to honor the day and sought endorsement from the US Senate, commencing the first recognition of the day, which began in 2011.
This story can be found in Kohn’s latest book, the Rules for Whistleblowers: A Handbook for Doing What’s Right (Lyons Press 2023).
How is National Whistleblower Appreciation Day Recognized?
Since 2013, the United States Senate has passed a resolution recognizing July 30th as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.
- 2023: Senate Resolution Honoring The Day
- 2022: Senate Resolution Honoring The Day
- 2021: Senate Resolution Honoring The Day
- 2020: Senate Resolution Honoring the Day
- 2019: Senate Resolution Honoring the Day
- 2018: Senate Resolution Honoring the Day
- 2017: Senate Resolution Honoring the Day
- 2016: Senate Resolution Honoring the Day
- 2015: Senate Resolution Honoring the Day
- 2014: Senate Resolution Honoring the Day
- 2013: Senate Resolution Honoring the Day
These resolutions are more than symbolic. They carry a significant directive. Each year, federal agencies are called upon to raise awareness about the importance of whistleblowing and educate the public about whistleblower rights.
This event is celebrated every year, with the support of Senator Grassley and the Senate Whistleblower Caucus, the event is celebrated on Capitol Hill.
Government officials, members of Congress, advocates, and whistleblowers are given the opportunity to speak about their contributions to whistleblowing, while encouraging executive agency officials to make public statements on whistleblower day.
Watch past events and see a complete list of speakers by visiting Whistleblower Network News, which has provided an excellent recap of the celebration.
Is National Whistleblower Day a Permanent Holiday?
Currently, National Whistleblower Appreciation Day is not a permanent federal holiday. Efforts are underway to make it a permanent recognition through legislation, executive order, or administrative action. Learn more about the campaign to make National Whistleblower Day permanent.
Whistleblowers are urging President Biden to sign an executive order recognizing National Whistleblower Day, which would mandate that all federal agencies recognize July 30th as National Whistleblower Day and that they take steps to inform their employees of their rights to blow the whistle, in addition to the contributions of past whistleblowers.
By changing the culture within, we can root out fraud, corruption, and abuse, and protect whistleblowers who have sacrificed their careers, health, or safety against retaliation.
Where Can I Learn More?
The National Whistleblower Center is a valuable resource for information about whistleblowing and National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.
However, many supporters are standing behind the National Whistleblower Center, including our firm and several notable clients, including Jane Turner, Sherron Watkins, Fred Whitehurst, Bunny Greenhouse, Aaron Westrick, and many others.
Join the National Whistleblower Day Celebration
We strongly urge you to join the National Whistleblower Day event each year on Capitol Hill! This event is open to the public, but seating is limited, so you must reserve your seat early by visiting the National Whistleblower Day official website.
Take Action Today!
Write to your representatives in Congress and to President Biden urging him to sign the Executive Order recognizing whistleblowers. Join the campaign to make National Whistleblower Day permanent and donate to help boost advocacy efforts!
