...Rubin Observatory changes biography of astronomer Vera Rubin

[Jessica_Rose]

Scientists alarmed as Rubin Observatory changes biography of astronomer Vera Rubin amid Trump's push to end DEI efforts

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/scientists-alarmed-as-rubin-observatory-changes-biography-of-astronomer-vera-rubin-amid-trump-s-push-to-end-dei-efforts/ar-AA1yPpcO?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=e8ed130216584647a46fe08fb895a20f&ei=16

Story by Sharmila Kuthunur (11 Feb 2025)

Astronomers are expressing disappointment and alarm as the federally-funded Rubin Observatory altered the biography of renowned astronomer Vera Rubin, for whom the facility is named, on its website. The amended version curtails her legacy of championing women in science and removes all mentions of the observatory's efforts to reduce barriers for women and other historically underrepresented groups in the field.

The edits, first reported by ProPublica on Jan. 30, came as federal agencies across the government scramble to revamp their websites in order to comply with a U.S. executive order issued by President Donald Trump, which ends funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and removes all mentions of them from public-facing websites.

The impacts of the ongoing changes, which have prompted many talented and experienced people to leave the space agency, "will likely be long-term and they could cause many interesting projects to not get pursued or finished," she said.

On May 17, 1996 — nearly 50 years after her own graduation in 1948 — Rubin addressed the graduating class at the University of California, Berkeley, saying: "I hope that you will fight injustice and discrimination in all its guises. I hope you will value diversity among your friends, among your colleagues, and, unlike some of your regents, among the student body population."

"I hope that when you are in charge, you will do better than my generation has."

[D'Amalie]

Jessica, thanks ever so much for bringing stories to light.  Our communities always benefits from your work!  News is knowledge.  Knowledge is power.

[Jessica_Rose]

Jessica, thanks ever so much for bringing stories to light.  Our communities always benefits from your work!  News is knowledge.  Knowledge is power.

Thank you, D'Amalie! I try to post articles that I think other's will find interesting. I also have a few members who give me tips on other news sources. I would like to think that all important news is easy to find, but that often isn't the case. There is so much going on which directly affects us, we owe it to ourselves and each other to stay informed.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Karen_A]

Orwellian times...