Is nepotism illegal in the federal government?

Federal law, at 5 U.S.C. § 3110, generally prohibits a federal official, including a Member of Congress, from appointing, promoting, or recommending for appointment or promotion any “relative” of the official to any agency or department over which the official exercises authority or control.

Is cronyism illegal in the federal government?

A public official may not appoint, employ, promote, advance, or advocate for the appointment, employment, promotion or advancement of any relative regarding a position in an agency the public official is serving or exercises jurisdiction over.

What is prohibited personal practice?

​​Prohibited personnel practices (PPPs) are employment-related activities that are banne​​d in the federal workforce because they violate the merit system through some form of employment discrimination, retaliation, improper hiring practices, or failure to adhere to laws, rules, or regulations that directly concern the …

What is the hatch law?

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Hatch Act, a federal law passed in 1939, limits certain political activities of federal employees, as well as some state, D.C., and local government employees who work in connection with federally funded programs.

What are the 14 prohibited personnel practices?

What are the 14 PPPs? An agency official shall not discriminate against an employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability (or handicapping condition), marital status, or political affiliation.

Is nepotism illegal in the workplace?

“Nepotism” is the practice of giving jobs or favorable treatment to friends and family members. Nepotism in and of itself is not illegal. A company owner is allowed to hire a daughter, son, sibling, friend, or any other person they like, even if that person is not the most qualified for the job.

What is the difference between nepotism and cronyism?

Nepotism refers to partiality to family whereas cronyism refers to partiality to an associate or friend. Favoritism, the broadest of the terms, refers to partiality based upon being part of a favored group, rather than job performance.

How do you report nepotism in the federal government?

Additionally, nepotism complaints can be reported to the Office of Special Counsel, a small, independent agency that handles civil service and whistleblower cases, as well as cases related to limits of political activity in the federal workplace under the Hatch Act and the employment rights of members of the uniformed …

What is an example of a Hatch Act violation?

These violations include: using official authority to interfere with an election result; soliciting, accepting or receiving political contributions; soliciting or discouraging political activity of persons before the employing agency; and running for public office in a partisan political election.

What is the punishment for violating the Hatch Act?

Penalties. ​The penalty structure for violations of the Hatch Act by federal employees includes removal from federal service, reduction in grade, debarment from federal employment for a period not to exceed 5 years, suspension, reprimand, or a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000. 5 U.S.C. § 7326(2).