The new Peace Corps legislation includes crucial provisions to tackle serious misconduct, allowing the agency’s director to suspend employees without pay.
An investigation conducted by USA TODAY shed light on a disheartening incident involving a high-ranking Peace Corps official.
The report exposed the story of John Peterson, a Peace Corps director in Tanzania, who remained on the agency’s payroll for a shocking 18 months after a fatal drunk driving accident that claimed the life of a Tanzanian mother. The revelation of such misconduct prompted Congress to take action.
Legislation To Address Administrative Authority
Responding to the distressing revelations brought forward by the investigative report, the U.S. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee recently approved sweeping legislation concerning the Peace Corps.
A crucial provision in this new bill empowers the agency’s director to suspend employees without pay in cases of serious misconduct.
Previously, the director lacked sufficient administrative authority to address deeply troubling issues, as highlighted by Representative John Garamendi, the bill’s introducer in the House and a former Peace Corps volunteer.
Night of Tragedy And Controversy
On the morning of August 24, 2019, John Peterson, then the agency’s director of management and operations in Tanzania, found himself at the center of a calamitous chain of events.
As reported by USA TODAY, Peterson was drinking at a bar in Dar es Salaam when he engaged the services of a sex worker.
Intoxicated, he got behind the wheel of his diplomatic-plated vehicle and struck a Tanzanian woman while driving.
Peterson fled the scene, causing an angry crowd to pursue him. Tragically, at a sharp turn, he veered off the road and fatally struck 47-year-old Rabia Issa, who was attending to her roadside food stand.
Flawed Application Of Diplomatic Immunity
In the aftermath of the fatal crash, Peterson’s actions took a troubling turn.
At a nearby police station, Tanzanian authorities attempted to administer a breathalyzer test, but the process was halted due to the assertion of a U.S. embassy security official claiming diplomatic immunity for Peterson.
However, subsequent investigations revealed that Peterson did not possess diplomatic immunity, which is usually reserved for diplomats and their families.
The exemption from testing should not have applied to Peace Corps employees, raising questions about the flawed application of diplomatic privileges.
Lengthy Investigation And Delayed Consequences
The investigation into Peterson’s case, conducted by the State Department and the Peace Corps, faced considerable delays. The timeline of events has sparked criticism and calls for reform within the agency.
While federal law prohibits the suspension without pay of foreign service workers during investigations, the new Peace Corps Reauthorization Act aims to rectify this by granting the agency director the authority to suspend employees accused of serious misconduct.
The provision includes an appeal process and ensures that suspended employees receive back pay and legal fees if they are successful in their appeal.
Compensation For Victims Falls Short
One disheartening aspect of the aftermath of Peterson’s actions is the inadequate compensation provided to the victims. The agency paid settlements to those harmed by Peterson’s actions, including the sex worker and the first woman he hit, but the amounts received fell short of the maximum allowed under federal law.
The family of Rabia Issa, who lost their primary breadwinner in the tragic incident, received a settlement of $13,000, far below the maximum amount permissible. The lack of transparency regarding legal representation for the victims raises additional concerns.
Key Provisions In The Peace Corps Reauthorization Act
The recent legislation approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee addresses various critical aspects of the Peace Corps. The provisions outlined in the Peace Corps Reauthorization Act aim to provide certainty and bring about essential changes to ensure the organization can operate effectively in the modern world. Key elements of the legislation include:
Appropriating Adequate Funding
The bill allocates $410 million annually to the agency until 2028, with the aim of expanding the program into strategically important regions of the world. While some believe the amount falls short of requirements, additional resources can be added through the appropriations process.
Extending The Sexual Assault Advisory Council
The legislation extends the existence of the council, composed of independent experts, until fall 2028. Originally established following reports of sexual violence and mishandling of cases within the Peace Corps, the council will now be required to issue annual public reports.
Safe Return To Service Process
The bill mandates the establishment of a process that enables volunteers whose service was interrupted due to mandatory evacuations, such as those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, to safely return to their duties.
Ensuring Adequate Funding And Expansion
While the allocated funding of $410 million annually until 2028 has been deemed insufficient by some, the legislation provides a starting point for discussions on expanding the program into crucial regions worldwide.
The appropriation process offers an opportunity to further bolster the resources available to the Peace Corps and support its mission of promoting peace and friendship globally.
Addressing Sexual Assault And Protecting Volunteers
The extension of the Sexual Assault Advisory Council plays a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of Peace Corps volunteers.
By providing independent oversight and issuing annual reports, the council aims to ensure that the agency takes effective measures to address and prevent sexual violence, thus creating a safer environment for volunteers.
Establishing A Safe Return To Service Process
In recognition of the challenges faced during times of crises and emergencies, the legislation mandates the establishment of a “safe return to service” process.
This process allows volunteers whose service has been interrupted due to mandatory evacuations, such as those necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, to resume their duties in a secure manner.
The Peace Corps Office of Communications has emphasized its commitment to engaging with Congress regarding the Peace Corps Reauthorization Act.
Director Carol Spahn is dedicated to evaluating legislative and internal policy changes that enhance operational efficiencies and prioritize the health and safety of volunteers.
The Peace Corps Reauthorization Act signifies an important step towards addressing serious misconduct, ensuring appropriate consequences for employees, and implementing essential reforms within the Peace Corps.
By granting the agency director the authority to suspend employees without pay, establishing oversight mechanisms, and addressing crucial areas such as funding, sexual assault prevention, and volunteer safety, this legislation aims to strengthen the organization’s mission and operations in the years to come.
