Neela Rajendra, the former head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), has been relieved of her duties in compliance with an executive order issued by US President Donald Trump.
The directive mandates the elimination of all DEI-related positions and programmes across federal agencies.
Rajendra, an Indian-origin leader, played a key role in initiatives such as NASA’s “Space Workforce 2030” pledge, which aimed to increase diversity in hiring.
Despite efforts to retain her by renaming her position to “Head of the Office of Team Excellence and Employee Success,” Rajendra was ultimately let go in early April.
Her reassigned role had maintained similar responsibilities, including oversight of affinity groups like the Black Excellence Strategic Team.
An internal email from JPL Director Laurie Leshin confirmed the decision, stating: “Neela Rajendra is no longer working at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. We are incredibly grateful for the lasting impact she made on our organisation and wish her the very best.”
Rajendra’s removal comes after NASA officially shut down its DEI office in March 2025, aligning with federal agencies implementing the Trump administration’s directive.
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Critics of the executive order argue that such measures undermine efforts toward workplace diversity, while proponents claim DEI programmes have fostered division and misused public funds.
Rajendra had previously weathered DEI-related layoffs in 2024, when budget cuts resulted in the elimination of nearly 900 such positions.
Her recent departure underscores the broader rollback of diversity-focused initiatives under the current administration.
