Today, Politico published an article outlining allegations of inappropriate behavior by Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Director Eric Lander. The article references an internal investigation conducted by the White House and disciplinary measures taken in response to the finding that Dr. Lander violated the Executive Office of the President’s Safe and Respectful Workplace Policy. In response, Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-OK) sent a letter to President Biden today requesting a copy of the investigation report and a briefing on the steps being taken to ensure the workforce environment at OSTP is safe, respectful, and furthers the Office’s critical missions.
“As the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, it is our top priority to ensure that federal science agencies are equipped to meet the challenges facing our nation,” said Chairwoman Johnson and Ranking Member Lucas in the letter. “A fully functioning OSTP is vital to the success of that effort. The behavior described in the Politico article and acknowledged by OSTP Director Lander is harmful to the workforce of OSTP as they attempt to carry out their responsibilities.”
A full copy of the letter can be found here.
