In October 2024, I left my position at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to embark on a Fulbright research project in Romania. It was a bittersweet transition, but now, as I observe the unfolding changes within federal agencies in the United States, I feel fortunate for the timing. Recent directives to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies, including NASA, have raised serious concerns, not just for the culture of these institutions but also for their innovation and global leadership.
But beyond the direct consequences for organizations like NASA, this directive has troubling echoes of the past, particularly for someone like me, now living in Romania. The policy’s chilling element, encouraging employees to report DEI-related “violations,” bears an unsettling resemblance to practices under Romania’s communist regime, when neighbors reported neighbors to the secret police.
What does this mean for NASA, national security, and the broader global community?
The Role of DEI at NASA and Federal Agencies
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are not abstract ideals; they are essential to agencies like NASA, which rely on innovation, collaboration, and creativity to tackle the world’s most complex challenges. I witnessed the power of diverse teams firsthand throughout my time at NASA JPL When people with different perspectives, backgrounds, and expertise come together, they approach problems uniquely, driving innovation that wouldn’t happen in a more homogenous environment.
NASA’s missions to explore the cosmos, protect our planet, and advance technology require technical expertise and a culture that values the unique contributions of every team member. DEI initiatives help create that culture, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking work. Removing these initiatives risks undermining the very foundation of what makes NASA and the United States a leader in science and technology.
The Immediate Consequences for NASA
The directive to end DEI programs does more than dismantle training sessions or task forces. It signals a shift in values that will have far-reaching consequences: Talent Pipeline and Retention: NASA has long struggled to recruit and retain talent in STEM fields, especially among underrepresented groups. Eliminating DEI programs risks alienating talented individuals who may now view federal agencies as unwelcoming or exclusionary; Innovation at Risk: Diverse teams are more innovative; that is not an opinion but a well-documented fact. Homogeneity stifles creativity, essential for addressing challenges like space exploration and climate change; International Partnerships: NASA’s global collaborations rely on its reputation as a leader in inclusivity and innovation. These changes may erode trust and cooperation with international partners, who view diversity as a strength.
The Chilling Effect: Reporting on Colleagues
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this directive is its call for employees to report “violations” of the new policies. This creates a culture of surveillance and distrust, where individuals fear expressing their ideas or supporting colleagues.
For me, this evokes memories of stories from Romania under communism, when the Securitate, the secret police, encouraged citizens to report on their neighbors, friends, and even family members. It was a system designed to create fear and control, stifling dissent and isolating individuals.
While the context is different, the psychological impact of such policies is similar: they erode trust, foster paranoia, and discourage the kind of open communication and collaboration organizations like NASA need to thrive.
Broader Implications for National and Global Security
The consequences of these changes extend beyond NASA and the federal workforce. At a national level, the erosion of inclusivity undermines the United States’ ability to compete globally. As other nations invest in diversity as a driver of innovation, the U.S. risks falling behind.
This shift could weaken the United States’ global leadership in science and technology. International cooperation on space exploration, climate change, and cybersecurity relies on trust and shared values. If the U.S. is perceived as retreating from inclusivity and progress, it could lose its influence and partnerships.
Parallels with Romania and Lessons from Fulbright
Living in Romania as a Fulbright researcher has given me a new perspective on these issues. Romania’s communist history starkly reminds me of the dangers of surveillance and exclusionary policies. By contrast, the Fulbright program embodies the values of inclusion, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding, which are essential for academic research and addressing global challenges.
These experiences have reinforced my belief in the importance of DEI, not as a political agenda but as a practical necessity for innovation, security, and progress.
Conclusion: A Call for Reflection
Dismantling DEI programs and promoting a surveillance culture within federal agencies is a step backward not just for NASA but for the United States as a whole. It threatens to undermine the innovation, collaboration, and trust essential to addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century.
As I continue my Fulbright research, I am reminded of the importance of inclusivity in policy and practice. I hope that, even as federal agencies face these challenges, individuals and organizations will continue to champion the values that have made the U.S. a global leader in science, technology, and security.
We must all ask ourselves: Are we building bridges or walls? The future depends on our answer.
Reference
Berger, Eric. “NASA Moves Swiftly to End DEI Programs, Ask Employees to Report Violations.” Ars Technica, January 21, 2025. https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/01/nasa-moves-swiftly-to-end-dei-programs-ask-employees-to-report-violations/.