NASA had previously promised that the Artemis program would send the first woman and the first person of color to the Moon in 2027. This mission was part of the agency’s goal to return humans to the Moon for the first time since the Apollo missions. However, NASA Excludes now removed these specific diversity goals from its official mission statement. NASA spokesperson Allard Beutel explained that the language change was in accordance with the President’s executive order, although the agency remains focused on expanding exploration at the Moon and Mars, without the DEI-specific goals.
Trump’s Executive Order on Diversity
The change in NASA’s mission statement is directly tied to President Trump’s executive order, titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs.” This order mandated the removal of diversity programs across all federal agencies. In response, NASA Excludes DEI-related contracts and closed DEI offices. It also removed any public webpages related to diversity efforts. As a result, NASA’s DEI site now displays a “404” error message, signaling that the page is no longer available.
NASA’s Previous Commitment to Diversity
Before this executive order, NASA had long been a proponent of diversity and inclusion. For years, the agency had worked to bring a broad range of voices into its space missions. The Artemis program was a key part of this effort, promising to include both the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon. These diversity efforts were central to NASA’s goal of fostering an inclusive environment where every astronaut could contribute to space exploration. However, the recent changes reflect a shift away from those promises, resulting in NASA Excludes these diversity efforts from its current plans.
Mixed Reactions to the Change
The removal of DEI programs from NASA has generated mixed reactions. Some individuals support the decision, arguing that it is important to focus on the core mission of space exploration. Kyle Sorensen, a former NASA engineer, expressed his approval, saying, “I am really happy that they banned these programs.” Sorensen felt that the Trump administration was right to ensure that NASA Excludes DEI by not trying to sidestep the order by renaming DEI programs. On the other hand, some NASA staff are disappointed by the change. Janet Petro, the acting NASA administrator, had previously spoken in favor of diversity, sharing her experiences as one of the few women at the Kennedy Space Center. Petro had mentored many minorities and emphasized the importance of an inclusive work environment.
Impact on NASA’s Workforce
The removal of DEI programs has had a tangible impact on NASA’s workforce. In January, the agency notified its staff that it was closing its DEI offices. The message also instructed employees to report any efforts to disguise DEI programs under different names. Employees were warned that failing to report such efforts could result in consequences. This action is part of a broader government-wide effort to eliminate DEI programs across federal agencies. NASA’s decision reflects similar moves by other federal agencies.
Ongoing Debate Over DEI Programs
The debate over the importance of DEI programs at NASA continues. Some employees argue that diversity efforts were essential for creating a fair and inclusive workplace. Nancy Vreils, a quality records manager at NASA, voiced her opposition, saying, “DEI has ruined NASA. Innovation is non-existent.” Vreils and others believe that the focus on diversity programs distracted from NASA’s core mission of space exploration. However, supporters of DEI programs argue that fostering diversity is key to innovation and creativity in the space industry.
Looking Ahead for NASA
As NASA moves forward with the Artemis program, the future of its diversity efforts remains uncertain. The agency has a long history of supporting diversity in its workforce, but the recent changes raise questions about how it will continue to address diversity going forward. While the Artemis mission will still aim to return humans to the Moon, the agency has removed specific diversity goals from its plans, indicating that NASA Excludes these themes. This shift marks a pivotal moment for NASA, as it adjusts to new political directives and reevaluates how diversity fits into its mission of space exploration.
