Read the Essay Submitted by Katelyn Jackson in the Constantine Cannon Law School Scholarship Contest

Our whistleblower team received dozens of inspired essays from law students across the United States in our first annual Constantine Cannon Law School Scholarship.  The contest asked entrants to submit an essay addressing the important role whistleblowers play, and steps that can be taken to support and protect them.  Entrants were encouraged to relate a personal whistleblower experience or describe a whistleblower who inspired them.

Today, we are delighted to share the essay that placed fourth, from law student Katelyn Jackson, who wrote about a whistleblower who inspired her: her own brother.  Calling her brother her hero, Ms. Jackson credits him as her inspiration to go to law school.  The essay explains that, while in college, her brother found himself included in group texts and discussions among his fraternity leadership that included “overtly racist and sexist messages.” Rather than stay silent, Mr. Jackson objected to his fraternity brothers, withdrew from the fraternity, and reported the activities to national fraternity leadership.  Unfortunately, her brother experienced negative social consequences for his actions, but, as Ms. Jackson writes, “even though he knew he would suffer, he acted anyway.”

As Ms. Jackson’s essay illustrates, the risk of retaliation against whistleblowers is very real, and can take many forms.  Whistleblowers, however, are people who can’t stay silent about wrongdoing, and they feel that speaking out and sharing their story is worth it, no matter the outcome. Support from family and friends can be critical for whistleblowers, and the admiration Ms. Jackson has for her brother demonstrates her commitment to protecting and encouraging those who are brave enough to speak up.

Click here to read the full essay. We look forward to sharing more winning essays in the weeks ahead.

Tagged in: Importance of Whistleblowers, Scholarship, Whistleblower Eligibility,