Former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees are standing up for their rights and challenging their terminations after they were fired for speaking out against the Trump administration’s policies. The six staffers, who were dismissed after signing a “Declaration of Dissent” letter, have filed claims with the Merit Systems Protection Board, with the support of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER).

The letter, which was signed by over 5,000 EPA employees, expressed concerns regarding the Trump administration’s disregard for scientific evidence and the negative impact it could have on the environment. The employees felt compelled to speak out against policies that could harm the very agency they had dedicated their careers to protect.

However, their courageous act of speaking their minds came at a cost. The Trump administration retaliated by firing six of the employees who had signed the letter, claiming that they had violated the agency’s policy on political activity. But the terminated employees are not backing down and are fighting back against what they believe to be an unjust and politically motivated decision.

The claims filed with the Merit Systems Protection Board argue that the employees were exercising their First Amendment rights and that their terminations were a violation of the Whistleblower Protection Act. The Act protects federal employees from retaliation for disclosing information that they believe to be evidence of wrongdoing or mismanagement within the government.

One of the terminated employees, Michael Cox, who spent 25 years at the EPA, stated, “We were speaking up for the integrity of the agency and the integrity of science, and we were punished for it.” This sentiment is shared by his former colleagues who have also filed claims, including Laurie Williams, a scientist who worked at the EPA for 37 years.

PEER, a non-profit organization that works to protect government employees who speak out against wrongdoing, is providing legal assistance to the ex-employees. Jeff Ruch, the executive director of PEER, stated, “These terminations were an attempt to silence dissent and suppress scientific evidence. We are confident that the Merit Systems Protection Board will see through this and reinstate these dedicated public servants.”

The termination of these employees raises concerns about the Trump administration’s attitude towards scientific research and its impact on the environment. The EPA, which is responsible for protecting the nation’s air, water, and land, should be guided by science and evidence-based policies, not political agendas.

The Declaration of Dissent letter, which was signed by thousands of EPA employees, highlighted the importance of the agency’s work and the need for its independence from political interference. The letter stated, “We cannot stand idly by while the EPA is dismantled from within, and we join together to voice our opposition to these actions.”

The brave actions of these former EPA employees have not gone unnoticed. They have received support from environmental groups, lawmakers, and concerned citizens who believe in the importance of protecting our planet. The letter of dissent and the subsequent terminations have shed light on the challenges that government employees face when speaking out against their superiors.

The Merit Systems Protection Board will now have the opportunity to review the claims and determine whether the terminations were justified. But regardless of the outcome, these former EPA employees have shown immense courage and dedication to their work and the protection of our environment.

Their actions serve as a reminder that government employees have a right to express their opinions and concerns without fear of retaliation. The EPA, as an agency responsible for safeguarding our environment, should value and encourage open dialogue and the exchange of ideas, not silence those who speak out.

In the words of Laurie Williams, “Our nation needs the EPA, and the EPA needs a strong and independent workforce to fulfill its mission.” It is time for the Trump administration to recognize the importance of the EPA’s work and the value of its employees. The terminated employees deserve justice, and the American people deserve an EPA that is guided by science and dedicated to protecting our planet.