NASA Allocated $13 Million to DEI Initiatives Amidst Mission Setbacks, Report Reveals

During the past few years, NASA has faced significant challenges under the Biden administration, including setbacks with critical missions and quality control issues. However, a recent report from the watchdog group OpenTheBooks reveals that the space agency allocated more than $13 million to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from 2021 to 2024.

As NASA prepared for its Starliner capsule mission, which ultimately failed and left two astronauts stranded, questions arose about the agency’s focus. An Inspector General report pointed out critical shortcomings in NASA’s oversight, particularly regarding quality control in its efforts to return astronauts to the moon.

During this tumultuous time, NASA made considerable progress in embedding DEI principles within its operations. This included various strategies such as grants, contracts, employee guidance, and agency-wide equity commitments.

The Shift in Focus Under Biden Management

Former President Donald Trump’s administration sought to dismantle DEI programs within the federal government. He even signed an executive order in September 2020 to address concerns over race and sex stereotyping in federal programs.

After Biden took office, he quickly reversed these policies, signing executive orders that aimed to prioritize equity in federal operations. Consequently, NASA intensified its efforts to integrate DEI principles into its everyday practices, according to OpenTheBooks.

Starliner Mission Malfunctions

As NASA unveiled its push for DEI, it simultaneously encountered severe technical difficulties with the Starliner capsule. The mission’s original intent was to transport two astronauts to the International Space Station for a week-long journey. Unfortunately, due to numerous malfunctions with the Atlas V rocket, the astronauts found themselves stranded in space for months. Ultimately, SpaceX stepped in to facilitate their return.

Community Engagement Through Book Talks

While the Starliner issue unfolded, educational outreach continued at NASA. In 2021, NASA employees participated in a book talk featuring author Uju Asika, who discussed themes of anti-racism and her book titled “Bringing Up Race: How to Raise a Kind Child in a Prejudiced World.” Her perspectives on race were shared alongside a series of seminars designed to foster conversations around these topics.

NASA’s Strategic Plans for DEI

Nasa has been active in crafting comprehensive strategies for diversity and inclusion. The agency’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan included explicit goals for race and gender-based hiring initiatives. This effort signified a concrete commitment to transforming agency culture toward inclusivity.

In tandem with these efforts, the agency introduced its 2022 Equity Action Plan. This ambitious project mandated that contractors provide DEI action plans upon award, pushing for diversified hiring practices across its operations. Furthermore, NASA revamped its grant and procurement processes to encourage DEI considerations, even in seemingly unrelated ventures.

Guidance for Gender Transition in the Workplace

As part of its inclusivity agenda, NASA provided guidelines for supporting employees undergoing gender transitions. The guidance encouraged collaboration between transitioning employees and their colleagues in developing supportive plans to ensure workplace comfort and acceptance. Additionally, it affirmed employees’ rights to use facilities that align with their gender identity.

Financial Investments in DEI Programs

According to OpenTheBooks, NASA spent $13 million on various DEI initiatives. One specific contract revealed a $2.3 million investment in a consulting firm tasked to weave diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility into the core culture of the agency.

Concerns from Watchdog Groups

John Hart, CEO of OpenTheBooks, expressed concerns regarding NASA’s focus on identity politics amidst critical missions. He emphasized that complex scientific challenges should take precedence over DEI initiatives, asserting that the very nature of NASA’s missions demands unfettered attention to technical and operational excellence.

Quality Control Dilemmas Persist

The Inspector General’s report highlighted various quality control issues within NASA and Boeing, specifically regarding their mission to return astronauts to the moon. The findings indicated that many employees working on the Space Launch System program lacked adequate experience, raising substantial alarm about the agency’s ability to fulfill its future objectives safely.

Restructuring and Future Aspirations

This week, the Biden administration initiated a phased reduction in force at NASA. This step included discontinuing the agency’s DEI office. In a memo to NASA staff, Acting Administrator Janet Petro acknowledged the upcoming challenges but framed the situation as an opportunity for the agency to reshape its workforce.

Proudly, NASA remains committed to engaging top talent to drive innovation and fulfill its missions that aim to benefit the wider public. Cheryl Warner, a spokesperson for NASA, emphasized that the agency is dedicated to adhering to new guidance and requirements as they emerge. This commitment includes compliance with executive orders and directives from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.