From the application within a few paragraphs of each other (bolding added):
We’ve put a lot of thought into designing an application that recognizes that
talent comes in many different forms, and that people of all backgrounds deserve a better shot at being included, bringing their unique contributions, and thriving in the global aerospace business.
Because we are explicitly trying to do things differently – more fairly, more thoroughly, and more cleverly – you will notice that our application process is quite different from most applications you may have previously filled out for jobs, scholarships, or fellowships. We ask you for the normal things you are used to submitting, but
we also have a few unique requirements designed to help us identify the best possible candidates from all backgrounds.
But be advised: a few things have changed from last year. After reviewing feedback from our community,
we’ve made a few tweaks designed to further eliminate unconscious bias.
People of your gender are underrepresented in aerospace. If you are a cisgender woman, a transgender woman, non-binary, agender, bigender, two-spirit, demigender, genderfluid, genderqueer, or another form of gender minority, this program is for you.
If you are a cisgender man, this program isn’t for you
One of these things is not like the other. One specific group is being "othered" regardless of all the happy talk about people from all backgrounds deserve a better shot. While they may be further eliminating unconscious bias the conscious and explicit bias is right there to read. Note that all "cisgender men" are excluded, not just white cisgender men.
I don't see this as an LOL. I don't see it as clever. I see it as blatant discrimination. Several people here see it as good discrimination that should be encouraged.
Not so fast you might say! There are two other opportunities listed for the men who identify as cisgender. If you click on the link you will see that "In order to apply for the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship program, you should identify as Black or African-American." Ok, what about the other men?
Well the Isakowitz fellowship doesn't seem to have as many restrictions as the previous two but you need to answer this essay question: "C. Space Workforce 2030 is a coalition of 30 space companies seeking to improve diversity in the space workforce (
www.SWF2030.org). One of their goals is to increase the number of women and underrepresented groups seeking degrees in pursuit of space careers. What type of industry-led initiative would you recommend to most advance that goal?" This is the kind of question that helps make sure the right people get through.
Then there is another linked fellowship on the Patti Grace page - Zedfactor. Who are they looking for? "Zed Factor Fellowship aims to elevate the diversity and impact of the aerospace community. Through internships for top qualified applicants, Zed Factor empowers learners who struggle to find role models that they can emulate. Zed Factor Fellows bring their unique backgrounds and perspectives, as well as technical skills to a community that enables them to reach for, and go beyond, the stars." Not as blatant as the first fellowship but if you think which groups of people have plenty of potential role models to emulate then you know who is excluded.
Speaking of which groups have plenty of role models and another specific non-LOL is how does the Air Force hit that future applicant goal of 67% white down from the prior goal of 80%? Do you just outreach harder? Do you refocus your priorities on targeting? Do you market yourself better in communities with the desired applicants?
Do you lower or drop SAT requirements? Do you set a low baseline for what is considered qualified so that those that meet the baseline can be admitted as qualified and not unqualified or special? Do you have race and gender set asides to meet goals? Does that turn the goals into quotas? How far do you go?
The E in DEI is the answer. It doesn't mean what a lot of people think it means based on the classic use of the word. It is why people can look at these fellowships and say "looks fine to me. What's your problem?"
