First the Python Software Foundation (PSF) Attacked Its Most Productive Volunteers. Now It Attacks Its Funding Sources.
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) rejected by PSF
Last year we wrote about the Python Software Foundation turning against key people because of people's politics (August) and named the key culprit (in December [1, 2, 3]), who was again named this month because politics resulted in financial difficulties [1, 2] (more here).
To avoid mentioning any names we'll avoid linking to the pertinent articles. We won't be talking about the politics, either. But we saw the name, we saw some quotes, and there's some media coverage about official blog posts. As one site put it: "The Python Software Foundation (PSF) has rejected a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), taking a firm stand for open source ethics and inclusivity. The decision followed the NSF’s demand that the Foundation affirm it would “not operate any programs that advance or promote DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion]” for the duration of the award, a restriction that would have applied to all PSF activities, not just the funded work."
This typically cites the Deputy Executive Director of the PSF, not the Executive Director, who was named in other contexts.
PSF is based in the United States and Americans do, "on average", hold particular viewpoints. That PSF makes a statement based on the politics of particular bureaucrats can jeopardise the project. Do they care? Like many others, they seem to be using these institutions as instruments of political influence rather than view them as scientific umbrellas that cultivate development. █