A new report from watchdog group OpenTheBooks revealed that while NASA faced mission-critical deficiencies, including the failed Starliner capsule mission that left two astronauts stranded in space, the agency was also prioritizing embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives into its workforce. Under former President Donald Trump, efforts were made to root out DEI programs in the federal government, but these were reversed by the Biden administration. In response to Biden’s directives, NASA focused on incorporating equity considerations into its operations, even as it dealt with issues surrounding its space missions.
In 2021, NASA employees engaged in a book talk centered around anti-racism, which was part of the agency’s broader efforts to promote DEI within its workforce. As part of these efforts, the agency unveiled its 2022-2026 Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity Inclusion & Accessibility, which included goals related to race and sex-based hiring and promotion initiatives. In addition, NASA introduced its 2022 Equity Action Plan, which implemented new DEI-related contractor policies aimed at diversifying the agency’s workforce in various ways.
The agency also provided guidance on supporting gender transition/affirmation in the workplace, promoting a collaborative approach to developing policies that align with employees’ choices. NASA’s focus on DEI initiatives under the Biden administration involved significant financial commitments, with at least $13 million spent on related programs. This included contracts with consulting groups tasked with incorporating diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility into NASA’s culture and business practices.
While NASA’s emphasis on DEI initiatives continued, issues within the agency came to light, such as widespread quality control problems related to returning astronauts to the moon. An Inspector General report highlighted deficiencies in NASA and contractor Boeing’s efforts, including a lack of experience among workers in the Space Launch System program. The Trump administration initiated a phased reduction in force at NASA, which included closing the agency’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility branch.
Acting NASA administrator Janet Petro acknowledged the challenges posed by the force reduction but emphasized that it presented an opportunity to reshape the agency’s workforce and ensure compliance with statutory requirements while maintaining efficiency and effectiveness. A NASA spokesperson reiterated the agency’s commitment to engaging top talent and adhering to new requirements from executive orders and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Despite the focus on DEI initiatives, concerns remain about the agency’s ability to balance these efforts with its primary mission goals of space exploration and scientific research.
