Intolerance And Bigotry Vs NASA’s Attempt At Space Leadership

Keith’s note: How is NASA going to achieve all of its forward-leaning diversity goals if the states where the bulk of its activities are conducted (Florida, Texas, Alabama) – and where their work force lives – seem to go out of their way to thwart the intent of these efforts? Large numbers of space industry workers run the risk of not being welcome there as they pursue the dream of exploring space. I have no answers. But I am pointing this issue out whenever I see it. According to “Anti-Trans Laws Force Engineer to Quit Job Helping NASA With Moon Missions“ published in Futurism, “As electrical engineer Robin Witt told The Stranger, Florida’s increasingly extreme anti-transgender laws left Witt, a transgender woman, no choice but to quit her job at a NASA-contracted engineering firm called ERC — a heartwrenching decision that, according to Witt, cost her a lifelong dream. … And though NASA might be putting diversity at the public center of its Artemis missions, it seems that the less-visible folks behind the Artemis rockets and other missions – one of whom, in this case, was forced to choose between their human rights and their dream role – are getting left behind.” More below

In 2002 I referenced a American Astronomical Society Report: “Survey results show that members of minoritized groups, including non-white scientists, scientists who are disabled, members of the LGBTQ+ community, or women, are underrepresented as Principal Investigators or Co-Investigators in planetary science spacecraft mission teams …”.

Earlier this year I mentioned in “Raising The Artemis Generation In Florida” I noted “A school principal was fired and/or forced to quit in Florida after a lesson involved Michaelangelo’s nude statue of David. Apparently Florida is going to make all the nude images in history illegal to use in schools. FYI this image (of nude humans on Pioneers 10 &11) was sent to Interstellar space – FROM FLORIDA – TWICE. .. If NASA truly supports the best possible dedication of resources toward the education of the “Artemis Generation” – and wants to have a safe work and living environment for all NASA and contractor employees and their families in Florida (and Texas, Alabama etc.) then you’d think that Bill Nelson would say something.”

And in “Florida’s Head Is In The Sand While It Sends Things To The Stars” I noted “Amanda Gorman’s Inaugural Poem “The Hill We Climb” was banned by a Florida school – the same state where NASA sends missions that climb a great hill – up to the stars. FYI Florida words by Amanda Gorman were launched – from Florida – on the #NASA @LucyMission Just sayin’”

Again, NASA, it is great that you have diversity stuff in place but when it all falls flat on the floor in Cocoa Beach, Huntsville, and Houston …

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