NASA Removes Diversity Pledge in Lunar Mission after Trump’s Order
The Artemis III mission, NASA’s first human mission to the lunar South Pole, has been shrouded in controversy after the agency removed its references to the landing of the first woman and person of colour on the moon from its official communication. This decision comes after US President Donald Trump ordered the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies from government agencies.
The Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon by 2024, has been touted as a groundbreaking initiative that will not only expand our knowledge of the moon but also promote diversity and inclusion in the space industry. However, the recent removal of the diversity pledge has raised concerns about the agency’s commitment to these goals.
According to NASA’s original plans, the Artemis III mission was supposed to include a diverse team of astronauts, including the first woman and person of colour to set foot on the moon. The agency had also emphasized the importance of STEM education and outreach programs aimed at underrepresented communities.
However, since President Trump’s order to eliminate DEI policies, NASA has quietly removed all references to diversity and inclusion from its official communication about the Artemis III mission. The agency’s website and social media channels, which previously featured language highlighting the importance of diversity, are now silent on the issue.
The removal of the diversity pledge has sparked outrage among astronomers, scientists, and activists who have long advocated for greater representation and inclusion in the space industry. Many have taken to social media to express their disappointment and frustration, using hashtags such as #NASAandDiversity and #ArtemisIIIto question the agency’s commitment to its original goals.
Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, has spoken out against the decision, saying that it sends a “terrible message” to young people of colour who are interested in pursuing careers in STEM fields. “It’s a step backwards,” she said. “We need to be leading the way in terms of diversity and inclusion, not taking steps backwards.”
Other experts have also weighed in on the issue, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion in the space industry. “The lack of diversity in the space industry is a major problem,” said Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist and director of the Hayden Planetarium. “It’s not just about representation, it’s about the quality of our science and the quality of our society. We need diverse perspectives and experiences to advance our understanding of the universe.”
The removal of the diversity pledge has also raised questions about the funding and resources allocated to the Artemis program. NASA has committed to spending billions of dollars on the mission, but some critics have argued that the agency’s priorities are misplaced.
“While NASA is spending billions of dollars on a mission to the moon, it’s ignoring the needs of underrepresented communities,” said Dr. Lisa Kaltenegger, an astronomer and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the space industry. “It’s a waste of resources and a missed opportunity to promote diversity and inclusion.”
The decision to remove the diversity pledge from the Artemis III mission has also sparked concerns about the potential impact on the agency’s reputation and public perception. NASA has long been seen as a leader in promoting diversity and inclusion in the space industry, and the removal of the pledge may damage the agency’s reputation and erode public trust.
In conclusion, the removal of the diversity pledge from the Artemis III mission is a disappointing and concerning development that raises questions about NASA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The agency’s decision to eliminate DEI policies and remove references to diversity and inclusion from its communication about the mission sends a negative message to underrepresented communities and undermines the agency’s reputation.
As the Artemis program moves forward, it is imperative that NASA re-commits to its original goals of promoting diversity and inclusion in the space industry. The agency must prioritize STEM education and outreach programs aimed at underrepresented communities and ensure that the Artemis III mission is inclusive and representative of the diversity of our society.
Source: https://www.rt.com/news/614644-nasa-abandons-moon-diversity-program/amp/
