In a surprising move that aligns with the Trump administration's stance against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, NASA has removed two graphic novels centered on female astronauts from its official website. This decision has sparked a wave of criticism among advocates for diversity in the space exploration community.

The graphic novels, featuring the fictional character Callie Rodriguez as the first woman to walk on the Moon, were a part of NASA's efforts to inspire the next generation of astronauts, especially young women. The titles, “First Woman: NASA’s Promise for Humanity” and “First Woman: Expanding Our Universe,” had been available for years, promoting a narrative of inclusivity and representation within the space agency.

Keith Cowing from NASA Watch highlighted the abrupt removal, noting that the series had been taken down without prior warning, leaving fans and supporters puzzled. The main webpage dedicated to Rodriguez's story now leads to a 404 error, indicating that the content has been fully wiped.

This action comes in the wake of broader policy changes since January, when NASA announced an end to certain diversity programs. Recent communication within the agency also prohibited employees from displaying their preferred pronouns in professional settings, further signaling a retreat from previous inclusive practices.

Critics argue that removing these graphic novels sends a troubling message about NASA's commitment to diversity and representation in the field of space exploration. As the agency moves to dismantle these resources, many wonder what impact it will have on future generations of aspiring female scientists and astronauts.

As NASA continues its mission in space, the debate over its commitment to diversity remains heated. Will the agency reverse its course and reinstate these important works, or will it continue down this controversial path? Only time will tell.