The Daily When the Culture Wars Came for NASA
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May 19, 2023 
In a captivating discussion, Michael Powell, a National reporter for The New York Times, and Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi, an esteemed astrophysicist and president of the National Society of Black Physicists, dive into the cultural uproar surrounding the naming of the James Webb Space Telescope. They explore how historic allegations about Webb's character ignited debates over homophobia and identity politics. The conversation uncovers the moral dilemmas within the scientific community and the challenges of navigating historical accountability in our evolving cultural landscape.
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The Accusation Against James Webb
- Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi, a prominent Black physicist, encountered an article accusing James Webb of homophobia.
- This sparked a controversy around the naming of the James Webb Space Telescope.
Hakeem's Investigation Begins
- Hakeem, troubled by the accusations, decided to investigate the matter himself.
- His curiosity and a request from NASA colleagues led him to delve into the archives.
Webb's Actions
- Hakeem's research revealed that the accusations against Webb were largely inaccurate.
- The homophobic quote attributed to Webb was from a Senate report, and Webb did not fire gay employees.