Government Accountability Project’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Government Accountability Project’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic2022-08-18T05:49:09-04:00

Covid-19: How We’re Responding

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus spread to the US in January 2020 and following the economic shutdown and stay-at-home orders, Government Accountability Project has been working with whistleblowers seeking to alert the public and our elected officials about Covid-related misconduct, fraud, and abuse of authority. Two of our clients Drs. Scott Allen and Jody Rich blew the whistle on the threat the spread of Covid-19 in ICE detention facilities represented to immigrants lives and local health settings. They sent a letter to Congress, and CNN reported their disclosure that Covid represented a “Tinderbox Scenario.” Dr. Allen later testified before the Senate Judiciary committee regarding health risks to immigrants held in detention. We also have been working with many other whistleblowers whose remain anonymous at this time to amplify their disclosures about the failed federal response to the international pandemic. To learn more about our current clients, visit our current clients page. 

How to Report Covid Wrongdoing

Report Covid-Related Wrongdoing Today!

  • Have you witnessed Covid-related wrongdoing in the workplace? We can help you make a difference.
  • If you have any questions about our intake process or who we can help, check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.
  • If you need help blowing the whistle, fill out our in-take form today.

Covid Media Center

Whistleblower Network News: Irwin County Detention Center Whistleblower Dawn Wooten Files New Complaint Alleging Retaliation

Irwin County Detention Center Whistleblower Dawn Wooten Files New Complaint Alleging Retaliation This article features Government Accountability Project whistleblower client, Dawn Wooten, and was originally published here. Dawn Wooten, a nurse who blew the whistle and alleged widespread medical neglect at an immigration detention center in 2020, filed a new complaint alleging that she was retaliated against for speaking to “the press, Congress, and nonprofit advocacy groups” about what she witnessed. Wooten’s 2020 Allegations On September [...]

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Georgia ICE Whistleblower Files Suit Against Private Prison Company

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Georgia ICE Whistleblower Files Suit Against Private Prison Company This article features Government Accountability Project whistleblower client, Dawn Wooten, and was originally published here. A whistleblower who came forward with explosive allegations of medical abuse at a since shuttered immigrant jail in Ocilla is suing the private prison company that ran the detention center. Dawn Wooten is a Tifton resident and a nurse by training. In late December, she filed a [...]

Our Covid Response

Following the guidance of Mayor Muriel Bowser and CDC guidelines for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government Accountability Project team has moved to remote working for the foreseeable future. Our staff continues to work tirelessly to champion whistleblowers and make sure every disclosure makes a difference. The Government Accountability Project team has been working to amplify whistleblowers’ disclosures on many fronts during the coronavirus pandemic.

  • Education & Partnerships: We’re educating whistleblowers and the public about their rights at a time when disclosures are critical to protect lives. We’re publishing new resources, like this one-stop guide for federal workers, “Truth-Telling in Government: A Guide for Federal Employees, Contractors, and Grantees.”
  • Legislation: Our team has been working with allies in Congress to ensure whistleblower protections are included in coronavirus-related legislation and to make sure the billions of dollars that the legislature has allocated for the Covid-19 response are accountably spent.
  • Litigation & Representation: We are representing Covid whistleblowers, assisting them in preparing for Congressional testimony, and making sure that those who speak up are protected from retaliation.

  • Investigation: We are investigating instances of Covid-related misconduct and working with journalists to share our clients’ disclosures with the American public.

Covid Resources

Truth-Telling in Government: A Guide to Whistleblowing for Federal Employees, Contractors, & Grantees 

Our government’s integrity depends on the commitment and effort of millions of federal employees, contractors and grantees around the world. Those same workers are in the best position to learn when decisions and actions deviate from the core mission and responsibilities of government, be it through corruption, failing to comply with laws and regulations, wasting taxpayer money, jeopardizing public health and safety, or otherwise abusing the public trust.

Just in the past year alone, government whistleblowers have exposed abuse of migrants in detention centers, risks to food safety from contaminated pork, President Trump’s efforts to pressure Ukraine to announce an investigation into a political rival, and problems with the government’s response to the coronavirus. Through whistleblowing, ethical truth-tellers provide public service through their speech. But exercising those rights often comes with professional risk.

Government Accountability Project’s newest resource seeks to help federal government employees, contractors, and grantees–across all agencies and issues—who have discovered serious abuses of public trust and need guidance about their rights, risks and options.

Whether you have yet to raise concerns or have already made disclosures, this guide is the first step for  navigating the complex path of whistleblowing safely and effectively.

Download your free copy.

For additional resources about whistleblowing, visit https://whistleblower.org/resources/

Sr. Counsel Dana Gold interviews whistleblowers Drs. Scott Allen and Jody Rich

Watch this conversation with Senior Counsel Dana Gold and our clients Drs. Scott Allen and Jody Rich. Our guests discuss…

Posted by Government Accountability Project on Thursday, May 14, 2020

Sr. Counsel Dana Gold discuss resources for federal whistleblowers