What might happen to a whistleblower who is retaliated against?

A whistleblower who faces retaliation for reporting misconduct or unethical behavior is afforded certain protections under the law. The correct answer indicates that whistleblowers are protected from discriminatory actions. This protection typically arises from various federal and state laws designed to encourage reporting of wrongdoing without the fear of retribution. These laws ensure that individuals who raise concerns about unsafe practices, fraud, or ethical violations in a workplace cannot be legally punished for their disclosures, thereby fostering an environment where issues can be reported openly.

Whistleblower protection helps safeguard the rights of individuals, making it clear that retaliatory actions, such as demotion, harassment, or unfair treatment, are not acceptable. This encourages individuals to report issues that could benefit the organization and public health without the fear of negative repercussions.

In contrast, the other options suggest outcomes that misrepresent the protections afforded to whistleblowers. Raises or better job offers can be seen as rewards rather than protections, and facing legal consequences for reporting undermines the intent of whistleblower protection laws, as these are designed specifically to shield individuals from such ramifications.