Key Takeaways:
– NASA reportedly received orders to remove references to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI), women in leadership, environmental justice, and Indigenous people from public sites.
– The directive attracted a substantial backlash on social media, with many voicing their disdain for the move.
– The order follows perceived patterns in the Trump administration, with critics suggesting it marks a continued pushback against diversity and inclusion.
NASA’s Website Scrubbed of DEI?
In reported events that left many astounded and outraged, staff at NASA were allegedly issued an order mandating the removal of certain terms from their public websites. The provocative list included references to diversity, equity, inclusivity (collectively known as DEI), environmental justice, and women in leadership positions. This shocking move was swiftly met with outrage on social media platforms.
What Exactly Was the Directive?
Details emerging reveal that staff were urgently asked to drop their regular tasks and prioritize the removal of the mentioned terms from NASA’s public sites. An employee, who asked to remain anonymous, confirmed the directive as an urgent task to be completed by a certain deadline.
Social Media Erupts
On getting wind of the order, there was an immediate backlash from social media users. Many women expressed their anger at the attempt to erase mentions of women in leadership roles.
Madeleine Roux, an accomplished author, utilized the situation to question the impression of a war on women. Another strong reaction came from Oliver Willis, a Daily Kos reporter, who did not mince his words calling out the directive.
Susan Kaye Quinn, an author and podcaster, pleaded for resistance to what she saw as an attempt to erase the contribution of women and minority groups. Patricia Kelly Spurles, an associate professor, also expressed her ire at this move suggesting that the purpose was to belittle marginalized groups.
Insights from Journalists
Jennifer Schulze, a journalist, added her voice to the discontent, claiming that the move continued a worrying trend of purging women and minorities under the Trump administration. Another journalist, Sam Cole, expressed disappointment at Pam Petro, NASA’s current head and the first woman in that position, for complying with the directive.
Implications for DEI
This event offers food for thought to those passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is a reminder that even in the world of technology and space exploration, progress in DEI can sometimes face significant hurdles.
Conclusion
It is clear that the directive, genuine or not, acted like a bolt out of the blue, capturing the attention of social media users worldwide. Above all, it served as a testament to the significance of DEI in all spheres of life, including space exploration agencies like NASA. The ripple effect of this directive, whether or not it was an official move, underscores the importance of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.