By Servet Gunerigok
WASHINGTON (AA) - NASA began closing offices related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA), and ending related contracts, according to Acting Administrator Janet Petro.
"These programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination," Petro reportedly said in a memo to employees Jan. 22, which was obtained by SpaceNews.
She said she is implementing an executive order by President Donald Trump, titled "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing".
"If you are aware of a change in any contract description or personnel position description since November 5, 2024 to obscure the connection between the contract and DEIA or similar ideologies, please report all facts and circumstances to DElAtruth@opm.gov within 10 days," said the memo.
The Trump administration ordered all federal employees in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) roles placed on paid leave by Wednesday evening, during the first full day of Trump's second presidency on Tuesday,
Federal agencies were told to be prepared to close all DEI-related offices and programs and to remove all websites and social media accounts for such offices, according to the memo that was issued by the Office of Personnel Management.