NASA has completed a detailed review of historical records concerning James Edwin Webb, its former administrator, amid allegations of homophobic discrimination. The James Webb Space Telescope will retain its name.
NASA is finalizing preparations to ship the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to French Guiana for its December 18 launch. While technical aspects are on track, the agency recently addressed a naming controversy.
Named in 2002 after James Edwin Webb, NASA's second administrator from 1961 to 1968, the observatory faced scrutiny over his alleged role in anti-LGBTQ+ policies during the 1950s Lavender Scare, both at the State Department and NASA.
Scientific American noted: "As a member of management, Webb was responsible for the policies enacted under his leadership, including the homophobic policies that were in place when he became a director at NASA." It added: "Some argue that if Webb was complicit, then everyone in the administration of the agency at the time was too. We agree. Nevertheless, NASA is not launching a telescope named after its entire administration."
The publication continued: "Many astronomers feel a debt of gratitude for Webb's work. However, while appreciation and nostalgia are important, they are not enough. Webb may have played a positive role at NASA, but his larger legacy beyond the agency is also relevant."
A petition launched weeks ago, signed by over 1,200 people by late September, urged NASA to rename the telescope, arguing it sends a "troublesome message about the agency's commitment to inclusion and diversity."
NASA historians examined archival documents to verify the claims. Administrator Bill Nelson announced: "We have found no evidence at this time that justifies changing the name of the James Webb Space Telescope."
Astrophysicist Sarah Tuttle, who started the petition, expressed disappointment on Twitter: "NASA is relying on cowardice and poor public relations technique to disclose that it will not rename the JWST, after a career administrator who oversaw homophobic persecution... ignoring 1,200 astronomers' request." She criticized the lack of details on the review.
