
NASA says it can't find any record that James Webb, the State Department and NASA leader for whom the agency's groundbreaking new space telescope is named, was aware of homophobic government purges — but a bunch of astronomers are clapping back at the agency's claims.
"After an exhaustive search of U.S. government and Truman library archives," administrator Bill Nelson was quoted as saying in the agency's press release about its decision, "NASA’s historical investigation found, ‘To date, no available evidence directly links Webb to any actions or follow-up related to the firing of individuals for their sexual orientation.'"
In their own statement — which follows a 2021 Scientific American editorial and numerous other calls urging NASA to rename the telescope — astronomy experts Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, Lucianne Walkowicz, Sarah Tuttle and Brian Nord are calling shenanigans in the strictest terms.
"NASA’s press release utilizes a practice of selective historical reading," the open letter reads, pointing to the agency's insistence that the original Webb was unaware of the firing of Clifford Norton, a NASA budget analyst who was canned in 1963 after being arrested for making a "homosexual advance" on someone. At the time, Webb was head of NASA.
The argument — which makes sense, if you think about it — is basically that Webb was either aware of the institutionalized homophobia in a way that didn't survive in existing documentation, or unaware of a key dynamic at the workplace he was in charge of. Neither option is flattering.
"Because we do not know of a piece of paper that explicitly says, 'James Webb knew about this,' they assume it means he did not," the experts wrote. "In such a scenario, we have to assume he was relatively incompetent as a leader: the administrator of NASA should know if his chief of security is extrajudicially interrogating people."
"We are deeply concerned by the implication that managers are not responsible for homophobia or other forms of discrimination that happens on their watch," they continued, noting that such a stance is "explicitly anti-equity, diversity and inclusion" that puts "responsibility on the most marginalized people to fend for ourselves, and it is in conflict with legal norms in many US jurisdictions."
It's "deeply unscientific," the astronomy luminaries added, that "NASA is engaging in historical cherry picking" with a figure who was, along with the state-sanctioned homophobia that occurred on his watch, accused of engaging in Cold War-era "psychological warfare," in which, as The Atlantic noted in 2018, then-Undersecretary of State Webb assembled a team of hard and soft scientists to figure out the best ways to conduct anti-Soviet propaganda.
NASA and the scientific community at large should, the astronomers wrote in Scientific American, "name telescopes out of love for those who came before us and led the way to freedom."
More on Webb: NASA Drops Stunning New James Webb Image of a Star Being Born
The post Experts Excoriate NASA Report Claiming James Webb Wasn't Homophobic appeared first on Futurism.
More:
Experts Excoriate NASA Report Claiming James Webb Wasn't Homophobic
- Exercise Helps Heart Disease Patients Live Longer [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- If You Have A Heart Attack, Dial 911, Don't Drive To The ER [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Dried Plums, Tart Cherries, Grapes- What do they have in common? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Vitamin D for Me! [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Bangkok Hospital Named Best Global Hospital [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 10 Years of Stem Cell Science? Where's the Beef? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Women Underestimate Heart Disease Risks [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- A Stem Cell First- New Organ Created and Transplanted Using Adult Stem Cells [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem Cells Injected Directly Into the Heart- Sounds Familiar [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Heart Disease and Depression Are Linked [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- TheraVitae Wishes Everyone A Happy Thanksgiving [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- VesCell Adult Stem Cells Helping Pulmonary Hypertension [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- VesCell Adult Stem Cells Help Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patient [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Another Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patient Helped by VesCell Adult Stem Cells [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Clinical Data of VesCell Used On Heart Disease Patients [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Results of Patients Treated with Adult Stem Cells for Heart Disease [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Results of Doctor Using VesCell for Heart Disease Published in Medical Journal [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem Cells from VesCell Help Another Patient With Congestive Heart Failure [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- VesCell Uses Adult Stem Cells Not Fetal Stem Cells [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy Continues Improving After Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- American Doctors Form Group to Oppose FDA's Stance On Adult Stem Cells [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Adult Stem Cell Pioneer Passes Away [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patient Celebrates His 1 Year Stem Cell Treatment Anniversary [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Vescell Featured In Forbes Magazine! [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Adult Stem Cells Repair Damaged Heart Muscle [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- No Scooter Needed for Schlueter- Heart Disease Patient Back in Gym After Stem Cell Treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem cells provide second chance [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Adult Stem Cell Therapy Scientific Advisory Board [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Partner hospitals give Heart Disease treatment with Adult Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem Cell Treating Physicians for Heart Disease - Vescell by Theravitae [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Heart Disease Treatment FAQs - Adult Stem Cells Treats Heart Disease [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Checklist of 12 Must-Ask Questions for Overseas Treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Health teaching for patients with heart disease | VesCell adult stem cell therapy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Ethical Debates Adult Stem Cell Research | VesCell adult stem cells treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Heart disease and health policy and nurse | VesCell adult stem cells treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- After Stent Symptoms | VesCell Adult Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- What is adult stem cell research | VesCell Adult Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Alternative Medicine for Coronary Artery Disease | VesCell Adult Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Diabetic, Seven Heart Attack Patient Experiences on Adult Stem Cell Treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Congestive Heart Failure and Life Expectancy | VesCell Adult Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Chest Pain After Angioplasty with Stent | VesCell adult stem cells treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Use of Stem Cells for Heart Repair | VesCell Adult Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Women health heart attack [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Health Facts on the Heart | VesCell Adult Stem Cells Treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- The Process of Stem Cells | VesCell Adult Stem Cells Treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Rest Pain Leg | VesCell adult stem cells for peripheral artery disease [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Health Supplements Heart Diabetes | VesCell Adult Stem Cells Treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Heart Failure Epidemic | VesCell adult stem cells treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Heart Muscle Health Aspects | VesCell adult stem cell therapy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- adult stem cells | VesCell adult stem cells treatment [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Updated article about adult stem cells therapy, VesCell, as featured in Forbes Magazine [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Forbes: Vescell Stem Cell Therapy Saves Heart Failure Patient [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Foetal Stem Cells Offer Hope for Stroke Victims [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem cells could spell end for diabetes jabs [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Full text answers about stem cell research [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem Cell Transplant from Umbilical Cord Blood Is The Only Hope for SCID Sufferer [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- New Studies About Umbilical Cord Blood And Children With Diabetes [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Engineered Blood Vessels Function Like Native Tissu [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells Provide Hope for Life Threatening Diseases [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs SB962 to Create a System to Collect and Store Umbilical Cord Blood [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Baby Boy Treated for Cerebral Palsey with His Own Cord Blood Stem Cells [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Cord Blood May Preserve Insulin Production in Newly Diagnosed Children With Type 1 Diabetes [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- A "Holy Grail" Of Healing, CBS Evening News [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- After Receiving Unusual Stem Cell Transplant, Coppell Toddler Comes Home from Hospital [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem Cell Hope for Bone Fractures [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Cord Blood Stem Cells And Cardiovascular Disease [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Creating a Cord-Blood Lifeline [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Saving Cord Blood [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem Cell Implant to the Brain Helps Improve Parkinson's Symptoms: Presented at SIR [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Governor Rendell Signs Bill Into Law [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Curing Blood Diseases: How Cord Blood Saves Lives [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Cord Blood Registry Gains Momentum in First Quarter; Forecasts Strong Enrollment Growth in 2008 [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Study findings from University of Florida, Department of Pediatrics provide new insights into cord blood [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Cord Blood Can Be Used To Treat Adult Leukemia [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Umbilical cord a lifeline for 2 kids [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- For Stem Cells, a Role on the Battlefield [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Cochlear Repair After Transplant Of Human Cord Blood Cells May Make Hearing Restoration Possible [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- About Stem Cells [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem cells: Small wonders [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Stem Cell Therapy Lessens Damage Caused By Stroke [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]