**NASA and Federal Agencies Initiate Disbandment of DEIA Programs Following Executive Directives**
In a notable change in policy, NASA’s acting administrator, Janet Petro, has revealed the agency’s intention to abolish diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs. This move follows President Trump’s latest executive directives aimed at ceasing federal DEIA initiatives, which he characterized as “extreme and wasteful.” The alterations, already being enacted across various federal entities, signify a crucial juncture in the ongoing discussion about the significance of DEIA programs in both government and society.
### **The Conclusion of DEIA at NASA**
In a communication to NASA staff, Petro detailed the agency’s immediate actions to shut down all DEIA offices and sever associated contracts. She referenced the executive directives, entitled *Ending Extreme and Wasteful Government DEI Programs* and *Prioritizing and Initial Rescissions of Detrimental Executive Orders and Actions*, as justification for the decision. Petro’s message also contained an instruction for employees to disclose any attempts to conceal DEIA-related activities or contracts within the agency since November 5, 2024. Staff were given a 10-day period to comply, with Petro cautioning about “negative consequences” for not reporting such matters.
Petro defended the action by claiming that DEIA programs had “sowed division among Americans by race, squandered taxpayer funds, and resulted in disgraceful discrimination.” Her message further implied that some civil servants might have sought to protect DEIA initiatives from evaluation by employing “coded or vague language.”
### **The Wider Context of DEIA Initiatives**
DEIA initiatives originated from affirmative action and gained traction during the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements. Throughout the past decade, these programs have become prevalent in academia, corporate sectors, and government organizations. Nevertheless, they have also encountered increasing backlash, especially from conservative factions, who contend that such efforts foster division rather than cohesion.
Even prior to Trump’s reinstatement to the presidency, the DEIA movement was beginning to wane. For example, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) discontinued using diversity statements for faculty hiring in 2023, indicating a shift in perspectives towards these initiatives.
### **Effects on Additional Federal Agencies**
NASA is not the sole agency in terminating DEIA initiatives. Comparable orders have been issued at other federal bodies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Both organizations have historically operated programs designed to enhance engagement from underrepresented demographics in science and engineering disciplines. Such initiatives have encompassed educational outreach, undergraduate research funding, and graduate school assistance for minority students.
Currently, many of these programs are still available on agency websites, but some, like the NIH’s “Broadening Participation in Training Programs,” have already been taken down. The cessation of these programs raises alarm about the future representation of diversity in STEM fields, where minorities continue to be underrepresented.
### **Wide-ranging Effects in the Scientific Community**
The disbanding of DEIA programs is merely one facet of broader transformations impacting federal agencies. For instance, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which supervises the NIH, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has halted all external communications. This encompasses notifications about emerging health threats, such as the H5N1 avian influenza, currently prevalent among farm animals.
This communication freeze has also obstructed internal functions. Reports suggest that NIH workshops have been interrupted mid-session, and evaluations of grant submissions are indefinitely suspended. These postponements could yield long-lasting repercussions, as the peer review process for grants necessitates intricate scheduling and organization.
### **The Discussion Surrounding DEIA**
The removal of DEIA programs has ignited a vigorous discussion. Advocates of the executive orders assert that these initiatives are expensive, polarizing, and unwarranted. They maintain that government resources should be directed towards merit-based opportunities instead of identity-based programs.
Opponents, however, caution that dismantling DEIA initiatives could undo decades of advancements in fostering diversity and inclusion. They contend that such programs are vital for tackling systemic inequalities and ensuring underrepresented groups have access to opportunities in education, employment, and leadership.
### **Future Outlook**
The swift disbandment of DEIA initiatives at NASA and other federal agencies signifies a marked change in federal policy. While the long-term consequences remain unpredictable, the immediate effects are evident: a retraction of initiatives established to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within government and beyond.
As the debate over DEIA persists, the scientific and academic communities are likely to encounter new obstacles in promoting diversity and addressing systemic disparities. For the moment, the emphasis will be on adjusting to the changes and evaluating their effects on federal agencies, employees, and the general public.
