President Donald Trump on Monday issued an executive order paving the way for federal agencies to reclassify tens of thousands of federal employees as at-will workers, making them easier to fire. The rule, known as Schedule F, has the potential to politicize essential government functions, silence those who uphold scientific integrity and sideline experts in charge of making decisions that impact the health of communities across the nation.
Schedule F was originally issued by Pres. Trump in his first term before being rescinded by former President Joe Biden.
Below is a statement by Jennifer Jones, the director of the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists.
“Schedule F undermines the integrity of the federal workforce by essentially turning career civil servants into political appointees expected to do the bidding of the president rather than reliable and steady work that spans consecutive administrations.
“Without experienced and impartial federal scientists, our access to clean air and clean water could be threatened, as critical research and regulations might be delayed or ignored. Fewer qualified inspectors in agencies like the Food and Drug Administration could lead to lapses in food and drug safety. Environmental protection, disaster preparedness, and public health initiatives could be weakened by a politicized workforce.
“Federal scientists dedicate their careers to serving the public. They protect us from environmental hazards, ensure the safety of the food we eat, and uphold evidence-based decision-making in critical areas like health care, transportation, and climate policy.
“We urge the federal workforce to remain steadfast in its commitment to truth and serving the public good and lawmakers to take swift action to block this reckless policy. A politicized and destabilized federal workforce weakens the foundation of our democracy and may endanger the lives of the nation’s people.”
Additional UCS resources:
The Trump Administration’s Plans to Fire Federal Science Workers is Not a Done Deal,blog
An Open Letter to Federal Science Workers in the Second Trump Administration, blog
Save Science, Save Lives, information about UCS’ campaign to protect federal science and scientists