A Shift in Policy, A Career Upended
In a move emblematic of shifting federal priorities, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has officially ended its association with Neela Rajendra, the Indian-origin head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Her removal comes amidst sweeping changes across U.S. federal agencies following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump targeting DEI programs. While initially retained under a rebranded title, Rajendra’s exit underscores the broader federal crackdown on identity-based workplace initiatives and reflects growing political scrutiny over such roles in science and technology institutions.
Attempts to Retain Rajendra Fell Short
In March, as JPL dismantled its DEI department to align with the federal directive, efforts were made to preserve Rajendra’s position by renaming her role to head the newly formed Office of Team Excellence and Employee Success. While the new title omitted DEI-related terminology, her responsibilities reportedly remained largely unchanged, including oversight of employee affinity groups like the Black Excellence Strategic Team (B.E.S.T.).
However, this workaround failed to comply fully with the Trump administration’s mandate, and JPL was eventually forced to part ways with her. An internal email from JPL Director Laurie Leshin acknowledged the decision, stating Rajendra “is no longer working” at the lab. “We are incredibly grateful for the lasting impact she made to our organization,” Leshin added, while wishing her well.
Rajendra’s profile has since been removed from NASA’s official website, with her page now returning a “404 Page Not Found” error.
Backdrop: Rising DEI Scrutiny Amid Operational Concerns
Rajendra’s exit is not isolated—it follows months of growing skepticism about DEI programs at NASA, particularly after two astronauts were stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months due to a propulsion failure. Critics questioned whether a disproportionate focus on internal diversity initiatives had diverted attention from core technical missions.
Adding to the irony, Rajendra had previously criticized SpaceX’s workplace culture, calling it “fast-paced” and “DEI-deficient.” Yet it was SpaceX’s Dragon capsule that successfully returned the stranded astronauts, leading to further public criticism of NASA’s priorities under her influence.
Although Rajendra had initially survived an earlier round of 900 layoffs at JPL due to budget constraints, her eventual removal indicates that even rebranded DEI roles are no longer safe in the current political environment.
The Executive Order: DEI’s Federal Exit
President Trump’s recent executive order, titled “Restoring the Values of Individual Dignity, Hard Work, and Excellence,” marked a significant policy shift. It prohibits race, gender, or identity-based considerations in federal hiring and mandates a return to strictly merit-based employment practices.
The order is part of a broader initiative to eliminate what the administration calls “radical DEI ideology” from federal institutions. The White House has stated that all agencies must now align their internal policies accordingly, affecting not only NASA but potentially every branch of the executive federal workforce.
The Road Ahead for NASA and Federal Agencies
Neela Rajendra’s removal is likely the first of many similar personnel changes across federal science agencies, as the political tide turns against DEI-centric roles. For institutions like NASA, this represents a pivotal moment—one where meritocracy and mission-critical excellence are being reasserted over social policy frameworks.
While her departure has drawn mixed reactions, it sets a clear precedent: federal agencies will now be held accountable to a new ideological litmus test, and any remnants of DEI programs are likely to be phased out entirely in the coming months.
NASA has yet to issue an official public statement regarding Rajendra’s exit.
(With inputs from agencies)
