New UCS Rapid Analysis Highlights Further Damage to Federal Science

WASHINGTON-President Donald Trump signed an executive order yesterday that would reclassify thousands of experienced government employees, which would leave them subject to direct political control and make them easier to fire. The order is estimated to impact approximately 8,000 positions and is expected to be the first of several such orders. According to rapid analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), this order could impact as many as 816 workers whose positions support independent federal science and STEM related activities.

Schedule Policy/Career-formerly Schedule F-enables the removal of federal career scientists and technical experts who do research, supervise researchers, and advise decision-makers on vital issues that require independent evaluation of the available facts, including public health, workplace safety, environmental protections, emergency preparedness and medical research. Historically, these positions have been protected from the whims of political leaders, ensuring the federal government retains institutional knowledge, and that policymakers have the information they need to make evidence-informed policy and decisions.

Below is a statement by Dr. Kristie Ellickson, a senior scientist with the Center for Science and Democracy at UCS.

"These hundreds of people and others like them play a pivotal role in conducting independent scientific research and providing technical expertise to ensure policymakers have the best available science at their fingertips. These career experts shouldn't have to go to work each day fearful that they could be fired simply for sharing scientific truths and evidence with their bosses and the public. Without the ongoing work of independent scientists, our health, safety and democracy will be put in jeopardy."

Fears abound that more reclassifications could follow and legal action against the Trump administration related to Schedule F employees is already in the courts and could even reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

To speak with Dr. Ellickson or another UCS expert, please contact UCS Media Director Ashley Siefert Nunes.

Additional UCS Resources:

• Statement "Trump Administration Sets Stage to Fire Seasoned Career Scientists, Threatening Institutional Knowledge and Fact-Based Policymaking."
• Blog post "Schedule F by Another Name Is Still a Threat to Science."
• Blog posts related to attacks on science and democracy by the Trump administration.