A former radiation safety officer at Florida State University (FSU), Amy Allen, has filed a whistleblower retaliation complaint after alleging that she was fired for raising concerns about handling hazardous radiological and chemical materials at the Dittmer Chemistry Lab. Allen, who worked at FSU for nearly three years, claimed unsafe practices persisted, particularly during the ongoing $95 million renovation of the Dittmer building, which she argued lacked proper decommissioning and state approvals. Her complaints highlighted two incidents of radiation exposure among staff members, as well as inadequate management of hazardous materials. Despite FSU officials disputing some allegations and stating that they acted in compliance with regulations, concerns about safety and contamination at the facility have been raised by multiple parties, including another employee who reported similar issues. The situation has led to broader discussions about safety protocols and budget priorities within the university. Allen's legal counsel has stated that her termination was unjust and that she was merely advocating for safety, while FSU has emphasized its commitment to health, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:40:00 GMT | Tallahassee Democrat