PAO Policy May be Under Revision, But People Still Fear Speaking Out
Bush Appointee Steps Down from Post at NASA, LA Times
“Acosta denied that Deutsch’s resignation was prompted by recent allegations that Bush administration appointees in NASA headquarters were trying to censor agency scientists, in one case by threatening “dire consequences” against an outspoken climate scientist. Acosta said NASA was in the process of “revising our public affairs policies across the agency.” “NASA ensures and supports full and open communication,” he said. On Friday, NASA Administrator Michael D. Griffin issued a memo stating that NASA must not hinder the free flow of scientific information to the public. One NASA official, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of repercussions, said that Deutsch had worked on Bush’s reelection campaign before being appointed to NASA headquarters in Washington.”