Whistleblower

Plaintiff worked for a manufacturing company in an administrative position. He discovered chemicals that were stored in a closet and undertook research into the proper storage of such chemicals and any restrictions on possession of them by his company. Upon collecting that information, he disclosed the existence and improper storage and possession of the chemicals to management. Within 30 days he was terminated.

Plaintiff was employed by a government contractor and reported what he believed were violations of federal law regarding spending and accounting. Within three months of his disclosure, he was given a poor performance evaluation and placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), which included a mentor to help him pass the PIP. During the PIP, he disclosed the same violations to the watchdog agency, which undertook an investigation. Plaintiff was terminated for poor performance at the end of his PIP, which coincided with the conclusion of the investigation that uncovered no wrongdoing. This matter involved issues relating to national security and top-secret government communications.

Plaintiff worked for a brokerage company as an analyst. He believed management was making illegal trades to benefit an unrelated business using his company’s credentials. He made disclosures to numerous management representatives and was promptly demoted, replaced with a less experienced analyst and eventually terminated for his “refusal” to accept his demotion permanently.

Plaintiff, the new principal at a charter school, reported to her superiors that the superintendent had a criminal record, including for inappropriate conduct with minors, and that he hired several of his friends who were also suspected of inappropriate encounters with minors, one of whom was responsible for driving students home after school sports activities. The superintendent “killed” her complaint and terminated her for alleged poor performance. Pursuant to regulations, the school carried insurance up to $50 million.