Whistleblower alleges bullying, ethical lapses at White House science office
This article excerpt features Government Accountability Project’s whistleblower client, Rachel Wallace, and was originally published here.
“The former director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy violated ethics rules, created a toxic workplace and retaliated against staff who raised concerns about his behavior, according to a new whistleblower complaint filed Thursday, allegations that were quickly disputed by the official and by the White House.
The complaint lays out the most detailed allegations to date of purported unlawful behavior and harassment by Eric Lander, who served in President Biden’s Cabinet before resigning last month. Lander stepped down after an investigation found credible evidence that he had bullied staff in violation of the White House’s “safe and respectful workplace policy,” and he acknowledged at the time that he had “caused hurt” to colleagues.
That White House investigation was sparked by Rachel Wallace, who had served as the science office’s general counsel before being demoted to deputy counsel. The new complaint was filed by the Government Accountability Project, which represents whistleblowers, on behalf of Wallace and other anonymous OSTP staffers.”