NASA spent $13M on DEI under Biden while critical mission, quality controls flailed, watchdog group says

**NASA’s Focus on DEI Initiatives Amidst Mission Challenges**

**Introduction**

Under the leadership of former President Joe Biden, NASA has prioritized the implementation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within its workforce. A recent report by the watchdog group OpenTheBooks reveals that NASA spent over $13 million on DEI-related programs between 2021 and 2024. This investment in DEI initiatives occurred simultaneously with critical mission challenges, such as the Starliner capsule mission, which encountered significant issues, leaving two astronauts stranded in space. This report highlights the balance NASA has struck between advancing its space exploration goals and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.

**The Starliner Mission and NASA’s Challenges**

During the preparation for the Starliner capsule mission, NASA faced substantial setbacks. The mission, intended to be a week-long journey to the International Space Station, turned into an extended stay for the astronauts due to multiple rocket malfunctions. These issues led to the involvement of Elon Musk’s SpaceX to assist in bringing the astronauts home. The challenges faced by the Starliner mission are further compounded by a report from the Inspector General, which identified deficiencies in quality control within NASA and contractor Boeing’s efforts to return astronauts to the moon. These shortcomings underscore the complexity of NASA’s mission and the need for robust quality assurance measures.

**NASA’s Commitment to DEI Initiatives**

Despite these mission-critical challenges, NASA has remained committed to embedding DEI principles into its operations. In 2021, the agency engaged employees in a book talk about anti-racism, featuring author Uju Asika, who discussed her book *Bringing Up Race: How to Raise a Kind Child in a Prejudiced World*. Asika’s discussions focused on themes such as anti-racism, colonialism, and the 2016 election results, reflecting NASA’s efforts to foster open communication on race and inclusion. Additionally, NASA has implemented a 2022-2026 Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility, which includes race and sex-based hiring and promotion initiatives, as well as an Equity Action Plan that requires contractors to provide DEI plans.

**DEI Policies and Contracts**

NASA’s commitment to DEI is further evident in its policies and contracts. The agency has allocated funds to consulting groups to engrain DEI principles into its culture and operations. One such contract provided over $2.3 million to a consulting group for this purpose. Furthermore, NASA has issued guidance to support gender transitions in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all employees. These efforts demonstrate NASA’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, even as it navigates the complexities of space exploration.

**Criticisms and Shifts in Priorities**

Critics have raised concerns about the prioritization of DEI initiatives amidst mission challenges. John Hart, CEO of OpenTheBooks, has argued that NASA’s focus on DEI distracts from its core mission, stating that “Newtonian physics and atmospheric reentry do not care about antiracism talks and gender ‘affirmation’ policies.” Recent actions by the Trump administration have also impacted NASA’s DEI efforts, including the closure of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility branch. NASA administrators, however, view these changes as an opportunity to reshape the workforce and ensure compliance with statutory requirements while maintaining efficiency.

**Conclusion**

NASA’s investment in DEI initiatives reflects its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace culture, even as it faces significant mission challenges. While critics question the prioritization of these efforts, NASA maintains that fostering diversity and inclusion is essential for driving innovation and achieving its exploration goals. As the agency navigates these dual priorities, it seeks to balance its commitment to DEI with the demands of advancing space exploration and ensuring mission success.