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\n“An executive order signed by President Trump in his final days in office has cascaded into anxiety for the scientific community. The executive order reclassified many federal employees to a new status that offered fewer protections and could leave people more susceptible to political pressures,” states a recent article posted by Wired.com.<\/p>\n
Chaos and trepidation are currently reigning in the chambers of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST’s sense of dread arises from an executive order, a parting gift if you will, from the previous administration that swaps federal employee statuses faster than you can say “unprecedented.” And unfortunately for many, this doesn’t come with the luxury of enhanced benefits or increased vacation time. Nope, the gift lying in the heart of this order is a charming susceptibility to political pressures and a significant slash in job security.<\/p>\n
Isn’t that just the cherry on top for the already jittery scientific community? After all, nothing quite says “carry on with your important, science-based work” like a looming threat of arbitrary job loss. How awfully inspiring!<\/p>\n
NIST employees have reportedly been reclassified under this scheme as “Schedule F,” a gray zone offering fewer employee protections. No science-backed argument is required to figure out that this could arguably make them targets for politically influenced terminations. It seems like a fantastic way to discourage scientific progress and discovery, doesn’t it?<\/p>\n
One might think that the new administration would gallop to the rescue and repeal the order. After all, isn’t it riding high on the wave of agreement with climate science and commitment to scientific integrity? Surprisingly, though, it’s not that simple. Despite the government’s intrinsic love for protocol and paper trails, it seems there’s no quick undo button for this “Schedule F” shuffle.<\/p>\n
So there we have it. The cherished NIST, whose work is foundational in maintaining standards (a concept apparently elusive to some), ensuring cutting-edge technology, and driving the accuracy of our measurement system, is bracing for a chilling winter season. All thanks to an executive order, which has made job stability just about as clear as quantum mechanics to a fifth grader. The scientific community waits with bated breath as uncertainty continues to hover over the future of their careers.
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