Python Software Foundation Withdraws $1.5M NSF Grant Over DEI Restrictions
The Python Software Foundation (PSF) has withdrawn its application for a $1.5 million grant from the US National Science Foundation (NSF) due to conflicting terms regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Although the proposal, aimed at enhancing security for Python and PyPI against supply-chain attacks, was recommended for funding, the PSF rejected conditions requiring them to cease all programs advancing DEI. These terms applied to the organization's entire operations, not just the funded project, and included financial clawback clauses for violations. The PSF Board unanimously decided that accepting these restrictions would betray their mission to support a diverse international community. This decision results in the loss of significant funding for the small non-profit but preserves its core values. The proposed project intended to develop automated tools for proactive package review, benefiting broader open-source ecosystems like NPM and Crates.io. The PSF cited similar withdrawals by other organizations, such as The Carpentries, in their decision-making process.
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Python Software Foundation Withdraws $1.5M NSF Grant Over DEI Restrictions
The Python Software Foundation (PSF) has withdrawn its application for a $1.5 million grant from the US National Science Foundation (NSF) due to conflicting terms regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Although the proposal, aimed at enhancing security for Python and PyPI against supply-chain attacks, was recommended for funding, the PSF rejected conditions requiring them to cease all programs advancing DEI. These terms applied to the organization's entire operations, not just the funded project, and included financial clawback clauses for violations. The PSF Board unanimously decided that accepting these restrictions would betray their mission to support a diverse international community. This decision results in the loss of significant funding for the small non-profit but preserves its core values. The proposed project intended to develop automated tools for proactive package review, benefiting broader open-source ecosystems like NPM and Crates.io. The PSF cited similar withdrawals by other organizations, such as The Carpentries, in their decision-making process.
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