Section 1.1: The Role of Whistleblowers in Crisis

The current era, marked by uncertainty and constant challenges, has underscored the vital role of whistleblowers. These individuals navigate the precarious balance between truth and authority, facing significant risks for their commitment to honesty. Rebekah Jones epitomizes this bravery in a tumultuous America.

Early in 2020, Jones took proactive steps to chart the spread of COVID-19. In January, she received an alert from the CDC and advocated for the tracking of the virus. By March, she secured approval from Florida's Department of Health to develop a dashboard to monitor COVID cases in the state. Her previous experience as a geographic information systems manager equipped her to use maps and analysis to address public health needs. However, her career took a turn for the worse when, in May 2020, she was terminated for refusing to manipulate the data related to reopening strategies.

The public's response was one of outrage, calling for her reinstatement, but these efforts fell short. The American Association of Geographers even expressed their concerns to Governor Ron DeSantis regarding the essential role of geographic data scientists in public health. In light of the ongoing crisis, Jones created an independent COVID dashboard—Florida COVID Action—which has garnered recognition for its reliability.

Section 1.2: Facing Intimidation

In December 2020, amid the ongoing pandemic, Jones faced a shocking incident when Florida authorities conducted a police raid on her home, armed with a dubious search warrant. This invasion aimed to intimidate her and seize her electronic devices. The media coverage from outlets such as The New York Times and CNN brought national attention to her situation, temporarily halting Florida's attempts to obscure the truth.

The first video titled "Rebekah Jones speaks about FDLE raid on her home" details the events surrounding the police raid and Jones's perspective on the incident, providing deeper insight into her experience.

Section 2.1: A Life Shaped by Nature's Forces

Rebekah Jones's childhood experiences with the power of nature significantly influenced her career. Growing up in Pennsylvania, she witnessed a devastating tornado. Later, her family relocated to Mississippi, where she endured the destruction of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, a memory that remains etched in her mind.

Jones pursued her studies at Syracuse University, initially focusing on journalism. However, a transformative climate change course shifted her path, igniting her passion for studying natural hazards, disaster preparedness, and geography.

Section 2.2: The Impact of Education

During her academic journey, Jones participated in a pandemic simulation as part of her coursework, which reinforced her understanding of the importance of caution in the face of such crises.

The second video titled "Former Florida data scientist Rebekah Jones not deterred by police raid, blames Gov. Ron DeSantis" captures Jones's reflections and her unyielding spirit despite the challenges she has faced.

Section 2.3: Confronting Challenges and Injustice

Throughout her ordeal, Jones faced derogatory remarks aimed at discrediting her. Governor Ron DeSantis labeled her as a “darling of the fever swamp,” attempting to undermine her credibility. Despite these attacks, Jones maintains her resolve, believing that accountability for DeSantis's actions is forthcoming.

Jones's ethical stance is clear; she did not hesitate to refuse requests to manipulate data, reflecting her strong moral compass. She expressed a desire for a better future for her daughter, influenced by historical figures like Frances Perkins, who fought for justice and labor reform.

Jones emphasizes the need for society to accept the realities of the new world shaped by disasters, asserting that there is no returning to the past. She warns that the full extent of the pandemic's toll on lives and health may never be fully understood.

Section 2.4: Moving Forward

In addition to the Florida COVID Action dashboard, Jones established The COVID Monitor, which provides COVID data for school districts across the country. Unfortunately, she has faced legal challenges, including an arrest warrant for unauthorized computer access, indicating the desperate measures taken by the state government against her.

Despite these struggles, there remains hope for justice and truth to prevail, not just for Rebekah Jones but for the broader public good in America.

Photograph by Luke Moss

~ Thank you ~

Rebekah Jones, Geojones.org

Roxanne Szal, Ms. Magazine