NASA says a mea culpa is in order for its contribution to “systemic discrimination” over the decades.
Unofficial nicknames for cosmic objects are no longer welcome in the agency as it attempts to root out “inequality in all aspects of the scientific community.”
NASA tweeted about its commitment to avoid “insensitive, but actively harmful” nicknames such as “Siamese Twins Galaxy” and “Eskimo Nebula” on Wednesday and provided a more extensive explanation on its website.
“I support our ongoing reevaluation of the names by which we refer to astronomical objects,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. “Our goal is that all names are aligned with our values of diversity and inclusion, and we’ll proactively work with the scientific community to help ensure that. Science is for everyone, and every facet of our work needs to reflect that value.”
Additional diversity, inclusion, and equity “experts” will be consulted to help the agency identify other nicknames to retire or avoid.
“These nicknames and terms may have historical or culture connotations that are objectionable or unwelcoming, and NASA is strongly committed to addressing them,” added Stephen T. Shih, NASA’s associate administrator for diversity and equal opportunity. “Science depends on diverse contributions, and benefits everyone, so this means we must make it inclusive.”
As we work to identify & address systemic discrimination & inequality in all aspects of the scientific community, we are reexamining the use of unofficial terminology for cosmic objects which can be not only insensitive, but actively harmful. Read more: https://t.co/ZNicp5g0Wh pic.twitter.com/jDup6JOGBd
— NASA (@NASA) August 5, 2020
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.