NASA Eliminates Its Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Office- wna24

NASA has eliminated its Office of the Chief Scientist and the Office of Science, Policy, and Strategy, among other divisions, in a move that signals potential deep cuts to the agency’s science programs. 

The move comes as part of a “phased” reduction in force (RIF), according to Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro. The cuts align with instructions from President Donald Trump’s executive orders and are being carried out in coordination with the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget.

The now-dissolved Office of the Chief Scientist was led by Katherine Calvin, a climate scientist who also held the title of NASA’s senior climate adviser. The role was responsible for guiding the agency’s scientific priorities, with a strong focus on Earth science research, including the study of human-caused climate change.

Calvin’s departure has raised questions about the future of NASA’s climate-related research. Critics worry that eliminating key leadership roles and scientific offices could weaken the agency’s ability to conduct independent research and influence policy decisions.

Another major office affected is the Office of Science, Policy, and Strategy, which was home to NASA’s chief technologist and chief economist. This office was created in 2021 to provide strategic, evidence-based guidance for NASA leadership.

The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), a branch of NASA’s Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, has also been shut down as part of the restructuring. In total, around 20 NASA employees were affected by the cuts.

NASA spokesperson Cheryl Warner confirmed the office closures and layoffs, stating, “To optimize our workforce, and in compliance with an Executive Order, NASA is beginning its phased approach to a reduction in force, known as a RIF.”

The decision to eliminate these offices has sparked criticism from the scientific community. Grant Tremblay, who leads external relations at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, took to social media to express concern over the changes.

“NASA is small, but it is arguably the most legendary and globally beloved agency in American history. Its gutting has begun, & the cuts to come are so massive that we won’t recognize it in a year,” he wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Tremblay clarified that he was speaking in a personal capacity.

While NASA leadership has framed these cuts as a necessary step for optimizing the agency’s workforce, the changes have raised alarm about the future direction of NASA’s scientific research and strategic planning. With more budget reductions likely on the horizon, the full impact of these decisions remains to be seen.