On April 27, Boston University’s Susilo Institute for Ethics in the Global Economy hosted “Whistleblowers: Capitalism’s Protectors,” a live virtual webinar.
Panelists included leading whistleblower attorney and author Stephen M. Kohn, former Department of Justice False Claims Act attorney Erica Blachman Hitchings, and Tyler Schultz, the integral whistleblower in the downfall of fraudulent health tech company Theranos.
This esteemed group of whistleblower advocates discussed available whistleblower laws and programs, how to best protect yourself, and the risks of whistleblowing through the lens of Schultz’ case.
David Epstein, Executive Director of the Susilo Institute, moderated the panel.
“One of the most effective guardrails in our capitalistic business environment turns out not to be regulations, but rather often overlooked individuals each with an enviable moral compass,” Epstein said. “It’s not easy standing up against harmful business practices.”
Kohn, founding partner of whistleblower protection firm Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto LLP, discussed the hardships associated with blowing the whistle and why he takes his role as a lawyer and advocate so seriously.
“The whistleblower is still a unique feature in the workplace,” Kohn said. “That’s why it’s so important to take steps to protect them and give them that anonymity, the protective shield, because most people won’t. Those that get pushback learn their lesson, and it can be extreme.”
While Kohn believes there is an...
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