NASA sacks Indian-origin diversity chief Neela Rajendra after Trump's executive order
NASA sacks Indian-origin
NASA fires Neela Rajendra amid a reorganization of the federal DEI. NASA has reportedly dismissed Neela Rajendra, its former Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), following the implementation of President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at eliminating DEI programs within federal agencies.
Rajendra had previously been promoted to the position of Chief of the "Office of Team Excellence and Employee Success," a prominent advocate for diversity in STEM fields. However, this position was short-lived, and she has now departed from NASA entirely. During her tenure, she led efforts to increase diversity in NASA's workforce, such as the "Space Workforce 2030" pledge. This personnel change aligns with broader actions taken by NASA in response to the executive order, which mandates the closure of DEI offices and the termination of related contracts. These programs have been eliminated across the agency because Acting Administrator Janet Petro has characterized them as divisive and wasteful. "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing" is the title of the executive order that tells federal agencies to end all DEI-related activities and positions. NASA's compliance with this directive has resulted in significant restructuring, including the closure of its Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity and the reassignment or dismissal of numerous DEI staff members.
NASA Terminates Neela Rajendra Amid Federal DEI Overhaul
NASA has reportedly dismissed Neela Rajendra, its former Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), following the implementation of President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at eliminating DEI programs within federal agencies.
Rajendra, a prominent advocate for diversity in STEM, had previously been reassigned to a new role titled Chief of the "Office of Team Excellence and Employee Success." However, this position was short-lived, and she has now departed from NASA entirely. Her tenure included leadership in initiatives like the "Space Workforce 2030" pledge, which sought to enhance diversity within NASA's workforce.
This personnel change aligns with broader actions taken by NASA in response to the executive order, which mandates the closure of DEI offices and the termination of related contracts. Acting Administrator Janet Petro has characterized these programs as divisive and wasteful, leading to their dismantling across the agency.
The executive order, titled "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing," directs federal agencies to terminate all DEI-related activities and positions. NASA's compliance with this directive has resulted in significant restructuring, including the closure of its Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity and the reassignment or dismissal of numerous DEI staff members.
NASA Terminates Neela Rajendra Amid Federal DEI Overhaul
NASA has reportedly dismissed Neela Rajendra, its former Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), following the implementation of President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at eliminating DEI programs within federal agencies.
Rajendra, a prominent advocate for diversity in STEM, had previously been reassigned to a new role titled Chief of the "Office of Team Excellence and Employee Success." However, this position was short-lived, and she has now departed from NASA entirely. Her tenure included leadership in initiatives like the "Space Workforce 2030" pledge, which sought to enhance diversity within NASA's workforce.
This personnel change aligns with broader actions taken by NASA in response to the executive order, which mandates the closure of DEI offices and the termination of related contracts. Acting Administrator Janet Petro has characterized these programs as divisive and wasteful, leading to their dismantling across the agency.
The executive order, titled "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing," directs federal agencies to terminate all DEI-related activities and positions. NASA's compliance with this directive has resulted in significant restructuring, including the closure of its Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity and the reassignment or dismissal of numerous DEI staff members.
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