It is a private non-profit. So I ask again, the principle at play is: is it ok for a private organization to discriminate on the basis of sex and race.
On that principle, I personally actually think it is ok if a private organisation does it, even if it is reprehensible. It is their money so they can do it whatever they want.
Fellowships are what it is, and it will have its attached association with people who have something in common. Fundamentally this cannot be outrightly changed or altered, since this requires a social litmus test, men still go to the gents and women still go to the ladies, and yes, there are gender-neutral restrooms. Scholarships naturally exclude some people because they don’t have any association. Yes, I am in the mind, that private organisations should have the right to construct their own culture, and I don’t see this as reprehensible, but rather supporting organic change (which takes will, and most patiently, time).
The Brooke Owens Fellowship is not only private, but also voluntary. Nobody has cried over the Amelia Earhart Fellowship. Let’s not muck around, men have long held an advantage come to scholarships, in general, which has been set up in legacy to maintain an ethic and culture to sustain some harmony amongst men, and yes, the same values are being shown by the Fellowship in question.
What is of greater concern is that the US Air force, which is a publicly funded organisation is promoting this organisation that blatantly discriminates against people. Which goes against the equal protection clause of the US constitution.
They circulate the Fellowship opportunties, which have a very limited intake, and did promote other Fellowships,
"If you are a cisgender man, this program isn’t for you... but we encourage you to check out our spinoff programs, the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship and the Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship Program."
let's check these two out,
www.pgsfellowship.org
Empowering Black Excellence in Aerospace.
black people only, and
The Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship Program inspires the next generation of commercial spaceflight industry leaders through paid internships, mentorships, and an extraordinary network for college and graduate students.
www.matthewisakowitzfellowship.org
which has the largest intake between the three and also the longest paid internship, and to quote,
The Program’s structure is patterned on the prestigious Brooke Owens Fellowship Program. Inspired by its great success and with the full support of its founders, the Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship uses a similar model but focuses specifically on the commercial spaceflight industry and expands eligibility to men and women who are soon-to-be college graduates or current graduate students, with the goal of providing professional development to those who have narrowed their desired career path to the commercial space industry.
and also have the most relaxed eligibility clause, however, I am sure the mentors know who they want, so you best be academically prestigious.
I have gone through many other Fellowships and scholarships in the US now, almost all have their exclusivity clauses. There is an elimination process to everything, otherwise you would risk to change your qualities - slow but steady, I say. Radical change may sink the ship.
Public organisations and institutions should always be open to all citizens, irrespectively. As it also is, private organisations, are under scrutiny and big calls are being made to change institutional culture. Though I don't think too many people know what they are drumming on. I have experienced organic success in various aspects.
Look, this Fellowship is an option, there are many other options too, and most applicants won't cut it.
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