KCNF’s Mary Kuntz recently joined the podcast Federal Drive with Tom Temin to discuss a significant legal challenge involving former Bureau of Prisons Director Collette Peters. Peters, a career Senior Executive Service (SES) official, has filed an appeal with the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) challenging her termination following the presidential transition.
During the interview, Kuntz explained that Peters’ status as a career SES employee grants her legal protections under Title 5 of the U.S. Code. Federal law specifies that career SES officials can only be removed for cause, such as misconduct or poor performance — none of which were cited in Peters’ termination.
Kuntz also outlined the MSPB appeals process, noting that while MSPB cases are generally resolved relatively quickly, the firm’s legal team is prepared to challenge any improper assertions from the government. “[Federal laws] were violated in her termination,” Kuntz said. “The Merit Systems Protection Board is where we have to bring those claims, and that’s what we’re doing. We are eager to see what the agency has to say about this termination.”
This case is garnering attention as it highlights the legal safeguards for career federal employees, particularly during transitions in administrations.
For more details, listen to the full interview below.
A Biden appointee sues to keep her job under Trump
Host Tom Temin with Guest Mary Kuntz