NASA’s DEI Spending Under Scrutiny Amid Mission Setbacks

A recent report by the watchdog group OpenTheBooks has brought to light the significant investment NASA made in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives during the Biden administration, raising questions about the agency’s priorities amid mission-critical challenges. The report reveals that NASA spent over $13 million on DEI-related efforts between 2021 and 2024, a period coinciding with the troubled Starliner capsule mission and concerns over quality control in the agency’s efforts to return astronauts to the moon.

The Starliner mission, intended to transport two astronauts to the International Space Station for a week-long stay, faced multiple malfunctions, leaving the crew stranded in space for an extended period. This incident, coupled with an Inspector General report highlighting shortcomings in quality control related to lunar missions, has fueled criticism of NASA’s focus and resource allocation.

While grappling with these operational challenges, NASA simultaneously implemented a range of DEI initiatives, including grants, contracts, employee guidance, agency-wide strategic equity commitments, and book talks. This dual focus has sparked debate about whether the agency’s dedication to DEI diverted attention and resources from its core mission of space exploration and scientific advancement.

A Shift in Policy: Trump vs. Biden

The emphasis on DEI at NASA represents a significant shift from the policies of the Trump administration. During his first term, President Trump sought to eliminate DEI programs within the federal government, issuing an executive order in September 2020 to combat race and sex stereotyping. However, this order was rescinded by President Biden shortly after taking office.

Biden’s administration prioritized embedding equity considerations into federal government programs, prompting NASA to integrate DEI principles into its day-to-day operations. This shift included the development of a 2022-2026 Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility, which outlined goals for race and sex-based hiring and promotion initiatives.

DEI Initiatives at NASA

The OpenTheBooks report details specific examples of DEI initiatives undertaken by NASA during this period. In 2021, NASA employees participated in a book talk with author Uju Asika, who discussed her book "Bringing Up Race: How to Raise a Kind Child in a Prejudiced World." Asika also spoke to NASA parents about her experiences with a "Eurocentric" education and her views on colonialism and the 2016 election results.

The agency also unveiled its 2022 Equity Action Plan, which included new DEI-related contractor policies. These policies required contractors to provide a DEIA plan demonstrating their commitment to workforce diversification. The Equity Action Plan also retooled NASA’s grant and procurement process to encourage grant proposers to consider DEI principles, even in seemingly unrelated projects.

In addition, NASA provided employees with guidance on "Supporting Gender Transition/Affirmation in the Workplace," encouraging collaboration with transitioning employees and allowing them to use the restroom, locker room, or other facility of their choice.

Concerns and Criticisms

The substantial investment in DEI initiatives has drawn criticism, particularly in light of the Starliner mission setbacks and quality control concerns. Critics argue that NASA’s focus on DEI may have diverted resources and attention from mission-critical areas, potentially compromising safety and efficiency.

John Hart, CEO of OpenTheBooks, stated that NASA’s mission is too risky to be distracted by identity politics. He emphasized that "Newtonian physics and atmospheric reentry do not care about antiracism talks and gender ‘affirmation’ policies." Hart called on NASA to take steps toward fiscal responsibility and common sense.

The Trump administration has also begun a phased reduction in force at NASA, including the closure of the agency’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility branch. Acting NASA administrator Janet Petro acknowledged that the force reduction would require "difficult adjustments" but framed it as an opportunity to "reshape" the workforce and ensure that NASA is fulfilling its statutory requirements efficiently.

NASA’s Response

NASA spokesperson Cheryl Warner defended the agency’s commitment to DEI, stating that NASA is committed to engaging the best talent to drive innovation and achieve its mission for the benefit of all. She added that NASA has complied with the requirements of executive orders and guidance from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

NASA is navigating a complex landscape, balancing its commitment to DEI with the demands of its core mission. The OpenTheBooks report has ignited a debate about the appropriate balance between these priorities, raising questions about resource allocation and the potential impact of DEI initiatives on the agency’s performance.

The agency maintains that DEI is essential for attracting and retaining top talent, fostering innovation, and ensuring that its programs benefit all segments of society. However, critics argue that NASA’s primary focus should be on achieving its mission objectives safely and efficiently, and that DEI initiatives should not come at the expense of these goals.

The future direction of NASA’s DEI efforts remains uncertain, particularly in light of the Trump administration’s actions and the ongoing scrutiny of the agency’s resource allocation. The debate surrounding DEI at NASA highlights the broader tensions between competing priorities in government agencies and the challenges of balancing social goals with core mission objectives.

The incident of the Starliner capsule and the astronauts who got stuck in space for a bit, raised public awareness and interest in the whole debacle. The rescue mission by Elon Musk’s SpaceX was a sign of how many people have come to think and depend on him to make great and necessary changes.

As the agency adapts to changing political priorities and continues to face mission-critical challenges, the debate over DEI at NASA is likely to persist.