"It is clear from this choice, that any promises to transparency and thoroughness were, actually, lies."
Passing is hard
NASA decided last month not to change the name of its James Webb Space Telescope, an orbital observatory that is expected to revolutionize astronomy. It was named after a homophobic former NASA Administrator.
Without providing any further details, the space agency stated that an investigation had been conducted and that no reason was found to rename it. Webb, however, allowed NASA security to question employees about their sexuality during his tenure as NASA security chief in the 1960s.
However, NASA continues to be under fire despite attempts to resolve the problem quietly. Today Astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz announced that she had resigned as an advisor to NASA in protest at what she called a sham investigation.
Calling BS
Walkowicz wrote an open letter to NASA critiquing the agency's inability to address the concerns of more than 1,200 astronomers who signed a petition asking for the renaming of the James Webb.
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Walkowicz stated that this selection shows that promises of transparency or thoroughness are false. NASA would prefer a Yes Men committee, which co-signs NASA's plans or chides them for minor course corrections that don't challenge NASA.
It is clear, however, that [former NASA Administrator] Sean OKeefe may suggest James Webb as the telescope name because he thinks it's a nice idea. Walkowicz said queer people must justify their views via an investigation.
Walkowicz stated that although she never believed that NASA would be open to criticisms and respond, she believes it is worth pushing the agency forward. She ended her letter by urging the scientific community not to use the real name of the James Webb Space Telescopes.
Walkowicz said that I'm not the first or last person to be driven out of a NASA Space. It is evident that straight people's opinions are valued more than those of queer people.
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READ MORE: Why I Am Resigning From Advising NASA [Lucianne Walkerowicz]
NASA Refuses to Rename Giant Homophobic Telescope
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