National Whistleblower Day

National Whistleblower Day is observed annually on July 30. This meaningful holiday honors those who have the courage to expose wrongdoing in order to protect democracy, human rights, and national integrity. Whistleblowers play a vital role in uncovering corruption, fraud, and abuses of power—issues that can significantly weaken a society if left unchallenged. The importance of protecting whistleblowers has been recognized since the early days of the United States.

History

The first known case of whistleblowing in American history took place during the Revolutionary War. In 1778, Congress passed a resolution in response to a report by ten individuals about serious misconduct by a senior officer in the Continental Navy. Two of these individuals, Lieutenant Richard Marven and Midshipman Samuel Shaw, reported the crimes and became America’s first documented whistleblowers. Their courage set the precedent for future protections. National Whistleblower Day was officially recognized in 1988 by the National Whistleblower Center.

Interesting Facts

• Whistleblowers are often employees in government agencies, financial institutions, corporations, and healthcare systems.
• Whistleblowing is considered a form of civic responsibility and is protected under federal law.
• The U.S. Public Health Service once uncovered unethical medical practices, including the denial of penicillin to patients in experiments.
• America’s Founding Fathers supported the idea that whistleblowers should be protected by law.
• Many reports today relate to political misconduct and corporate fraud.

How to Take Part

Take time to learn about whistleblowers and their impact. Read books, watch documentaries or films about individuals who took great risks to expose the truth. Share their stories on social media using the hashtag #NationalWhistleblowerDay. Raise awareness about the legal protections available to whistleblowers, and support organizations that advocate for transparency and justice.

When is National Whistleblower Day in 2025?

National Whistleblower Day is observed on July 30 each year.

Observations