FDA reduced proposed removal

A veteran employee retained us after she received a proposed removal for conduct unbecoming, based on a workplace altercation.  We submitted a response to the proposed removal.  The response presented evidence that our client did not engage in the altercation and that, in fact, her supervisor subjected the client to a hostile work environment by refusing to communicate with her, which exacerbated the client’s service-related disability.  We also argued that the agency failed to consider mitigating factors, including our client’s lengthy and exceptional career as a federal employee.  Based on our response, the deciding official mitigated the proposed removal to a 14-day suspension.