Join The Whistleblower Day Campaign
July 30th is National Whistleblower Day. It marks the date in 1778, when the U.S. Continental Congress unanimously passed America’s first whistleblower law. Enacted during the height of the Revolution, it demonstrates beyond doubt that the Founding Fathers recognized the importance of whistleblowers and demanded that they be protected.
Their resolution was clear: “It is the duty of all persons . . . to give their earlies information to Congress or any other proper authority of any misconduct, frauds, or misdemeanors . . .”
The remarkable history behind this historic law was first researched and made public by whistleblower attorney Stephen Kohn, in his book The Whistleblower’s Handbook. That history should be read by everyone who wants to learn how whistleblowing is an invaluable part of the American Tradition.
To honor this history, the first Congressional celebration of National Whistleblower Day took place in the U.S. Senate Kennedy Caucus Room on July 30th, 2015. Sponsored by the National Whistleblower Center, It was a huge success.
Since then, thousands of whistleblowers and their supporters have celebrated July 30th as National Whistleblower Day. Whistleblowers such as Sherron Watkins, Toni Savage, Bradley Birkenfeld, Frederic Whitehurst, Jane Turner, Linda Tripp and Aaron Westrick have been joined by leaders from both political parties, in setting aside their differences and celebrating the historic contributions whistleblowers have made over the years.
The political leaders joining in these celebrations have been as diverse as the American political landscape. Watch the speeches from Senators such as Charles Grassley and Ron Wyden, Members of Congress such as Elijah Cummings and Mark Meadows, and political appointees such as former FBI Director James Comey and Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz, all given at National Whistleblower Day celebrations.
For many years, the whistleblower lawyers at Kohn, Kohn and Colapinto and the leadership of the National Whistleblower Center have urged Congress to officially acknowledge July 30th as National Whistleblower Day. The Senate has unanimously passed such resolutions annually since 2013. Please sign the petition requiring every department in the federal government to publicly acknowledge the contributions made by whistleblowers on July 30th of each year.
The Senate has passed resolutions each year honoring National Whistleblower Day – it’s time for the house of representatives to act!
The United States Senate has officially passed a resolution designating July 30, 2022, as “National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.” This action marks the ninth year Senate has called upon federal agencies to recognize whistleblowers for their contributions to “combating waste, fraud, abuse, and violations of laws and regulations of the United States.
Passed Resolutions
“With their words and actions, leaders have to make clear that whistleblowers are important and retaliation is not tolerated.”
THE HISTORY OF AMERICA’S FIRST WHISTLEBLOWER LAW
“Resolved, that it is the duty of all persons 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.”
LEADERS SPEAK OUT RECOGNIZING NATIONAL WHISTLEBLOWER DAY!
RELATED ARTICLES AND PUBLICATIONS
THREE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
TAKE ACTION! SIGN THE PETITION
Write to your representatives in Congress and to President Biden urging him to sign the Executive Order recognizing whistleblowers.