Foss Bytes: Python Software Foundation Rejects US Government Grant Citing Restrictive Anti-DEI Clauses

The Python Software Foundation (PSF) has rejected a $1.5 million grant from the US 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.

The grant was intended to strengthen Python’s software supply chain security, build a proactive automated review system for PyPI packages, and develop tools transferable to other open source ecosystems. However, the conditions included a clawback clause allowing the NSF to reclaim funds if the PSF was found in violation of the anti-DEI terms, creating what the Foundation described as an “open-ended financial risk.”

“These terms included affirming the statement that we ‘do not, and will not… operate any programs that advance or promote DEI,’” said Loren Crary, deputy executive director of the PSF. “This would create a situation where money we’d already spent could be taken back, which would be an enormous, openended financial risk.”

The board voted unanimously to withdraw the application, reaffirming its commitment to a diverse, international community of Python developers.