Signing the SCI NdS waives protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. Not sure

Answer: (B)

Disclosing concerns through proper channels about government wrongdoing is protected by statute, not by a contract. Signing an SCI non-disclosure statement does not remove or override those protections. The Whistleblower Protection Act is designed to shield federal employees from retaliation when they report issues in good faith to designated recipients (such as an Inspector General, the Congress, or other authorities). A confidentiality agreement can govern how you handle sensitive information, but it cannot eliminate your right to make a protected disclosure or subject you to retaliation for doing so. Just remember to follow the proper, authorized avenues and avoid sharing classified material with unauthorized parties.