NASA employees told to remove pronouns from communication after major policy shift:
The sudden and controversial directive that has barred NASA employees from using pronouns in all work-related communication has left employees reeling. The decision, made without prior warning, has been met with frustration and confusion from many staff members, leading to heated discussions across the agency. Emails, internal memos, and official correspondence must now avoid common gender-specific terms like “he,” “she,” “him,” or “her.” Critics within NASA and beyond are questioning the logic behind the move, calling it an overreach and unnecessary distraction from the agency’s groundbreaking work. Supporters, however, claim the policy promotes inclusivity and modernization. As tensions rise, questions loom about how this shift will impact NASA’s daily operations and communication culture.
NASA disables pronoun options in emails after presidential order
NASA employees were recently ordered to remove pronouns from emails and other communication platforms, including Microsoft Outlook and Teams, according to an all-staff email obtained by NPR. The move comes after a highly contentious executive order signed by former President Donald Trump as part of his effort to freeze “Federal funding of gender ideology.” Specifically, the policy rendered inactive features that enabled users to add pronouns to their profiles, announcing that any previously listed pronouns will now be automatically removed.
The move has sparked heated debate, with some accusing the space agency of undermining inclusivity and ignoring evolving workplace norms. Its supporters see it as a return to neutrality and professionalism in communication. The tension highlights ongoing cultural battles within federal institutions as agencies grapple with balancing inclusivity and political directives. Many are now questioning what broader implications this decision may have for diversity efforts at NASA and beyond.
Government orders NASA and agencies to remove pronouns and diversity terms in major rule change
NASA staff have been told to eliminate pronouns and words related to diversity from emails and public pages. The terms that are now targeted include “Indigenous people,” as well as references to “women in leadership.” The new policy is part of a wider effort initiated by the White House to reduce the use of inclusive language throughout the federal government.
Recently, NASA’s acting administrator justified scrapping all of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, arguing that they segregated people by race, wasted taxpayer money, and promoted discrimination. The order to remove pronouns isn’t just limited to NASA; the same instructions were given in various departments of the government, which caused quite a lot of debate.
Critics consider this decision a step backward in terms of inclusivity and representation, while proponents believe it helps the government function impartially and fiscally responsibly.
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