NASA Blocks FOIA Request From John Greenewald of The Black Vault But NASA Lawyers Push Back
Controversy arose when John Greenwald Jr., the figure behind The Black Vault, disclosed a tweet asserting NASA attempted to conceal emails from public view. The situation illuminates a broader issue regarding the transparency of government correspondence, particularly those subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). In a separate email, concerns were raised about the potential misinterpretation of an internal NASA joke regarding UFO sightings, which could escalate into a scandal if not contextualized properly. This event pivots the conversation towards the importance of maintaining a clear and professional tone in all governmental communications and the implications that even casual remarks can bear once subjected to public scrutiny.
The individuals involved in the email thread include Paul Hertz, the director of the Astrophysics Division at NASA, and Nicola Fox, the associate administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate. Both figureheads play significant roles within NASA's leadership, with substantial influence over key scientific developments. The unfolding events and discussions surrounding these emails not only pertain to the specifics of the intended joke about UFO sightings but also engage with the wider discourse on the public's right to access governmental records and the accountability this access intends to uphold.
Key Takeaways
The incident questions the public's right to transparent access to government records.
The disclosure highlights concerns over handling internal communications within NASA.
The context emphasizes the broader implications of how sensitive information is managed.
Insight into John Greenwald Jr.'s Social Media Update
Engagement Dynamics of The Black Vault
John Greenwald Jr. of The Black Vault recently communicated his encounter with NASA regarding a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. The Black Vault, a website known for its UFO and paranormal activity research, filed a request for emails within NASA, leading to unexpected support from within the agency. Greenwald Jr. publicly recognized the internal attorneys who upheld the rights of public information access, a move that sheds light on the broader issues of transparency and potential resistance within public institutions.
Dissecting a NASA Correspondence
Paul Hertz of NASA, who has held significant roles in the agency's astrophysics division, along with Nikola Fox, currently the leading figure in NASA's science sector, were the senders of an email that became the crux of the FOIA request. Their email discussed the possibility of excluding certain communications from the FOIA response, particularly one that humorously mentioned a potential UFO sighting—an exchange they feared might be misconstrued outside of its joking context. Despite concerns raised by Hertz, legal advisors confirmed that such an exemption was not warranted. This affair brings to the forefront the importance of mindful communication in government entities, as well as the need to reaffirm public records' rules with staff to avoid unnecessary controversy.
Evaluation of the NASA Correspondence
Responsibilities and Apprehensions of Astrophysics Director
Paul Hertz, NASA's Senior Advisor and former long-standing director of the astrophysics division, expressed concern over a particular email that circulated within NASA. This email humorously suggested that an unidentified employee may have observed a UFO. Hertz, aware of the potential misunderstanding such humor could engender if misinterpreted, underscored the need for staff to remember that internal communications, including emails and team chats, are officially recorded and susceptible to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Despite his suggestions to exempt the email from release, legal counsel indicated no grounds for such an action existed.
Role of the Head of Science
Nikola Fox, as the recently appointed associate administrator of NASA's science mission directorate and prior director of the heliophysics science division, was involved in this email exchange with Paul Hertz. The communication addressed concerns about the FOIA request for emails and the implications of their content. The dialogue reflects considerations of disclosure and the awareness of a wider audience potentially analyzing these internal conversations.
Implications of the FOIA Inquiry
The FOIA request initiated by an external party sought the release of specific NASA emails. The concern for potential misunderstandings of informal remarks as public scandals was a notable factor. This scenario reveals the tension between organizational transparency and the protection of informal internal discourse. Furthermore, it illuminates the legal boundaries and responsibilities of federal agencies concerning public records and the possible impact of external scrutiny on internal agency communication.
Concern Description Staff Awareness Reminder of the permanent record status of NASA communications and the potential public scrutiny. Legal Counsel's Stance Advisory role and clarification that no exemption for humor or informal context exists in the FOIA law. Transparency The implications of information release on public perception and internal agency operations.
Potential Public Misunderstanding: Due to the nature of the emails, there was concern that even facetious remarks could lead to misconceptions if released.
Agency's Accountability: This incident highlights the ongoing need for clarity and cautiousness in government communications.
Consideration for Employees: It raises questions about how agencies can ensure employees are comfortable communicating while still upholding public transparency.
Profiling Principal Figures
Overview of Heather Futrell's Role
Name: Heather Futrell
Position: Former member, NASA Heliophysics Division
Tenure: 2020-2022
Known For: Email regarding a UFO sighting that spurred a discussion about information disclosure.
Jared Leisner's Background
Name: Jared Leisner
Role: Geospace Dynamics Constellation Mission Interdisciplinary Scientist
Field: Heliophysics Program
Expertise: Studies the dynamic interplay between the Sun, its planets, and the space environment surrounding them.
Comprehending Solar and Space Physics
Solar and space physics, also known as heliophysics, involves the examination of the Sun, its influence on the planetary environments, and the broader space weather that envelops the solar system. This scientific field concentrates on understanding the Sun’s disruptive magnetic behavior and its ramifications for the atmospheres of Earth and other celestial bodies, as well as the expansive heliosphere.
Key individuals associated with NASA’s heliophysics scientific efforts include:
Paul Hertz: Former Director of the Astrophysics Division at NASA, known for his leadership in the launch of crucial space telescopes and development of astrophysics missions.
Nicola Fox: Associate Administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, previously overseeing the Heliophysics Division.
Relevant Updates:
Recently, an email related to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request attracted attention. The email included a reference to a UFO sighting, which was indicated to possibly be a joke. Concern was expressed about the permanence of such communications and their potential to cause controversy if misinterpreted.
Communications Policy: It's important for staff to remember NASA communications, including emails and team chats, are permanent records. These are always subject to requests for public release under FOIA regulations.
Transparency Concerns: Discussions have arisen on the level of transparency when handling public documents. Queries were made regarding the exemption of certain communications from release, indicating that while there are some exemptions in place, not all content can be shielded from public view.
Mission Connections: Members mentioned in the discussions are interconnected through their work in space-related projects and missions, which underscores the comprehensive nature of teamwork within heliophysics research.
Email Revelations
Inferences From Censored Sections
When examining the areas of redaction in the disclosed NASA correspondence, they lead to questions about what information may have been deemed unsuitable for the public eye. The decision by lawyers to refuse exemption of certain parts of the content suggests that while exclusions do exist, they did not apply in this scenario. Despite the original intention being humorous, this decision underscores the literal interpretation of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) statutes -- no exemption could lawfully withhold the content from public view.
Types of Exemptions Not Applied:
FOIA provides specific reasons for withholding information. However, it appears none were applicable in this case.
Reference to Unidentified Flying Objects
Paul Hertz from NASA expressed concerns over a particular email exchange that humorously suggested an unidentified flying object sighting. The conversation, although in jest, highlights a persistent concern: communications, even those not serious in nature, may lead to unwarranted attention or scandal when disclosed under FOIA requests. The potential implications of even casual references to such culturally loaded terms as UFOs can be complex, given the widespread public interest and speculation around extraterrestrial phenomena.
Impact of UFO References in Official Communication:
Cultural Sensitivity: The term "UFO" can attract significant public and media scrutiny.
Misinterpretation Risks: Humorous or casual comments are prone to misinterpretation, especially when taken out of context.
By presenting these details, he provides insight into the internal considerations and discussions around FOIA requests within governmental agencies, underlining the importance of maintaining a professional tone in all official correspondences.
Access to Government Documents
Governments maintain various records that are, in principle, available for public review. Particularly in the United States, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows individuals to request access to federal agency records or information not protected by one of nine exemptions and three exclusions in the Act.
An interesting situation arose involving NASA and a FOIA request. It appears that there was an attempt to withhold certain email correspondence from public release. Specifically, an email involving NASA employees joking about UFO sightings was subject to a release request from a website dedicated to UFO and paranormal research. Despite an attempt to exempt this email from release, the legal advisers determined no such exemption was applicable under FOIA guidelines.
The individuals involved in this matter are notable figures within the NASA administration. Paul Hertz has an extensive track record with the agency, overseeing significant developments in astrophysics as the director of the Division of Astrophysics. Nicola Fox is the associate administrator of the Science Mission Directorate, having taken on the role in February 2023. Her background includes serving as the director of the Heliophysics Science Division.
Moreover, the heliophysics program, to which both Paul Hertz and Jared Leisner, another key figure mentioned in the email, contribute, is an essential scientific endeavor. It involves the comprehensive study of solar activity and its influences on the atmospheric conditions of Earth and other planetary bodies. The program's findings are critical to understanding the intricate dynamics of our solar system.
The incident raises questions about the criteria governing the release of information under FOIA. Although certain types of communication may be personal or informal, the act of trying to categorize such correspondence as exempt introduces a discussion around transparency and the public's right to information.
This case underscores the ongoing tension between privacy and disclosure, humor and misunderstanding, and the public's entitlement to governmental transparency. It highlights the innate value of having robust systems that allow for public access to government records, ensuring accountability and fostering a well-informed citizenry.
Final Observations on Openness
In recent communications, it has come to light that there was an attempt to withhold certain emails from public view. Nevertheless, internal legal counsel upheld the public's right to access these documents. The emails in question include discussions amongst NASA employees that, although jokingly, referenced UFO sightings. This incident underscores the importance of ongoing diligence in maintaining public records transparency, as even humorous remarks can be misconstrued.
Key Personalities Involved:
Paul Hertz: Former Director of the Astrophysics Division at NASA and noted for his role in launching significant space telescopes and missions.
Nikola Fox: Current Associate Administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate, known for her previous role as Director of the Heliophysics Science Division.
Highlighted Points:
Email Content: An email described a purported UFO sighting, which was initially requested to be exempt from release.
Transparency Upheld: Legal advisors denied the exemption, citing a lack of grounds to withhold the email from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
Implications: This event prompts a reminder to all staff about the permanence of electronic communications and the potential for out-of-context interpretation potentially leading to unintended scandals.
Heliophysics Connection:
Heather Futrell: Previously worked within the Heliophysics Division, which studies the sun's influence on the solar system.
Jared Leisner: Also affiliated with the Heliophysics program, with a connection to the aforementioned email.
The commitment to transparency shown by the internal legal team proves crucial in an era where transparency in governmental operations is a central public expectation. The reinforcement of FOIA rights serves to remind institutions of their obligations to the public and helps maintain accountability in their communications. The proactive stance taken indicates that no exemption applied to the current context, highlighting that official communication channels should not be treated informally.
Source Links
https://x.com/blackvaultcom/status/1705261166539464956?s=20
https://science.nasa.gov/about-us/leadership/nicola-fox
https://science.nasa.gov/about-us/leadership/dr-paul-hertz
https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/program-officers-list (Jared Leisner)
https://science.nasa.gov/science-red/s3fs-public/atoms/files/HeliophysicsOrganizationCharts_January2021.pdf
