The National Security Agency (NSA) museum is facing backlash for attempting to erase the contributions of women and people of color at the agency.
Last week, the National Cryptologic Museum taped brown sheets of paper over plaques in their Hall of Honor that celebrate women and people of color who had served the NSA, NPR reports.
This was done to comply with Donald Trump’s sweeping executive order banning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the federal government.
The museum released a statement over the weekend calling the move a “mistake” after photos began circulating on social media.
“We are dedicated to presenting the public with historically accurate exhibits and we have corrected a mistake that covered an exhibit. We look forward to visitors exploring the museum and its rich history,” the museum said.
Several former NSA staffers were furious.
“My jaw dropped, my eyes bulged like one of those Warner Brothers’ cartoons,” said Larry Pfeiffer who worked at the NSA for two decades.
Rob Johnson, who worked for the agency for more than 50 years was appalled.
“As much as this administration eschews truth and honesty, it is important that we not allow it to erase history,” Johnson said.
“Didn’t somebody say, ‘Oh my God, that’s wrong?'” said Helen Adams whose late husband, Ralph, was executive director of the NSA.
NSA current Executive Director Sheila Thomas — the No. 3 person in the agency — reiterated that papering over the exhibits was a mistake.
“There was absolutely never an intention to cover up parts of our history,” Thomas told NPR. “As soon as we became aware [of it], we said, ‘Oh, that was not what was intended.’ “
Thomas added that NSA leadership didn’t provide enough guidance to the museum’s staff on how to comply with Trump’s executive order which creating confusion.
“They were on rapid fire to move very quickly and be responsive,” said Thomas. “We are being as responsive as we possibly can. Some of these [executive orders] have short deadlines.”
