In a statement on Tuesday, the nonprofit group Stand Up for Science announced, “We can confirm multiple FEMA employees who publicly signed the Katrina Declaration have been placed on administrative leave.”
This development is likely to intensify concerns that US President Donald Trump’s administration does not tolerate dissent. In July, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed 139 employees on administrative leave after they signed a letter criticizing Trump’s policies.
As of Tuesday evening, the Stand Up for Science website stated that the letter had more than 190 signatories, with the majority signing anonymously due to fears of retaliation. The New York Times reported on Tuesday evening, citing an email review, that “around 30” employees were suspended.
“Once again, we are seeing the federal government retaliate against our civil servants for whistleblowing—which is both illegal and a deep betrayal of the most dedicated among us,” Stand Up for Science said.
Employee Perspective and Reaction
FEMA employee Virginia Case told CNN she received an email notice on Tuesday evening informing her that she had been placed on paid leave from her job as a supervisory management and program analyst.
“I’m disappointed but not surprised,” Case said. “I’m also proud of those of us who stood up, regardless of what it might mean for our jobs. The public deserves to know what’s happening because lives and communities will suffer if this continues.”
The Washington Post reported that the suspended employees will continue to receive pay and benefits.
FEMA and the Trump Administration’s Stance
On Monday, FEMA’s press secretary stated that the agency has been burdened by red tape and inefficiencies, and the Trump administration has “made accountability and reform a priority.”
However, since returning to the White House in January, Trump has expressed a desire to abolish FEMA and let states “take care of their own problems.” This year, approximately 2,000 FEMA employees, or a third of its workforce, have left the agency through firings, buyouts, or early retirements.
Historical Context: Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina caused catastrophic flooding in New Orleans, resulting in the deaths of over 1,800 people. It was one of the worst natural disasters in US history, partly due to the ineffective response. In 2006, Congress passed the Post-Katrina Emergency Reform Act to give FEMA more authority and responsibility.
