Fired But Fighting’s Official Statement on Resignations
Fired But Fighting has issued the below statement in response to the resignations of key members of CDC’s leadership staff.
For those in the Atlanta area, please see details about today’s rally at CDC beneath our statement. Press is welcome.
Over the last seven months, countless civil servants at CDC and across the country have been forced to confront their “line in the sand,” a point at which this administration demands something so dangerous and so unethical that it defies both science and the oath we made to the Constitution. We stand in solidarity with the CDC leaders who made the difficult but courageous decision to resign in defense of science, integrity, and the health of the American people. These resignations send a clear signal: The escalating attacks on public health are so egregious that people with irreplaceable institutional knowledge feel barred from fulfilling the mission to build a healthier America. Enough is enough.
For decades, CDC has worked across administrations, upholding its oath to protect health and save lives in our country and around the world. Public health only works when guided by evidence and free from political interference, misinformation, or weaponization. This moment follows last week’s mass firings at CDC and a targeted, deadly shooting just three weeks ago. While the public health workforce endures continued attacks and loses its scientific leadership, it leaves CDC and the country less safe and dangerously unprepared for the next emergency.
The leaders who resigned did so not for themselves, but for the American people. This should not be taken lightly, and their message must be heard. Public health must remain nonpartisan, evidence-based, and steadfast in its mission to save lives.
Secretary Kennedy’s actions will not “make America healthy” when he is only surrounding himself with yes men who will confirm his long-held anti-science beliefs. In fact, in May of this year, the Secretary told Congress, “I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me.” It’s time to heed that warning. It’s time for accountability. It’s time for Congress to act. And it’s long past time for RFK Jr. to resign.
In solidarity,
Fired but Fighting
Direct requests for comments or interviews with Dr. Houry, Dr. Jerrigan, or Dr. Daskilaskis to Kevin Griffis (kevincgriffis@gmail.com).
Direct all other media inquiries to info@firedbutfighting.org.
Rally at CDC at 3:00
FBF and our public health allies stand in solidarity with the CDC leadership who have resigned in protest of what is happening at the Agency. To thank them for their service and celebrate their bravery, we will hold a support rally outside of CDC’s Roybal campus today at 3 p.m. The press is invited to attend and will have the opportunity to speak with those who have resigned.
Who: Current and former CDC staff
What: An event to stand in solidarity with CDC leadership who have made the impossible choice to resign
When: 3:00 pm Eastern Time
Where: 1600 Clifton Rd N E, Atlanta, GA 30333
