Our firm represents Richard V. Young, former Chief Information Officer at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), in a federal lawsuit alleging discrimination, retaliation, and hostile work environment in violation of Title VII. Mr. Young raised concerns about unethical contracting practices involving agency leadership. Shortly after initiating EEO counseling, he was placed on administrative leave and informed that his security clearance had been suspended. The agency later reclassified this as a “withdrawal”, a designation not recognized by USDA policy and issued without due process. This action was taken before any misconduct investigation began and without considering reassignment options. 

Former FAS COO Bryce Quick was the subject of multiple misconduct investigations, including criminal probes by the office of inspector General in 2010, 2012, and 2017. Allegations included accepting kickbacks from contractors and misusing public funds. Despite this, Quick retained security clearance and continued receiving high-level assignments. Quick was never removed or placed on administrative leave during this time. Other employees also raised concerns about his unethical contracting practices, yet he remained in executive roles. The record reflects disparate treatment, as similarly situated white and/or gay employees were afforded reassignment, while Mr. Young was removed from service. After his removal, Mr. Young was granted a federal security clearance by the Department of Defense, further undermining the agency’s justification. We continue to advocate on his behalf as the case proceeds, highlighting the need for consistent and fair treatment of all federal employees.