The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that an air marshal was protected by a federal whistleblower law. Air Marshal Robert J. MacLean was fired for protesting a cut in hours for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees after a secret briefing about terrorists threats on long-distance flights. MacLean complained to his superiors arguing that the cuts would put public safety in jeopardy. (The New York Times, January 21, 2015, by Adam Liptak)
In its 7-2 ruling, the court recognized the concerns over protecting sensitive security information but said the stature used by the TSA to fire MacLean only allows dismissals for violations of law not any “law, rule or regulation.” To interpret the whistleblower statute broadly would defeat its purpose. (NPR, January 21, 2015, by Nina Totenberg)
One Comment
Great case, and the amicus briefs filed in support of the Air Marshal were numerous and well briefed. Good to see whistleblower law protected his conduct.
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