The space industry, a cutting-edge field rife with romanticized goals of exploration, has an ancient problem: sexism and harassment, Florida Today reports. A group of former and current Blue Origin employees published an essay last month calling out sexism at Jeff Bezos' spaceflight company. Dozens have joined a Facebook group dedicated to offering support in dealing with inappropriate behavior on the job, leading some to make their stories public. According to experts and whistleblowers, the idealistic nature of space exploration and sharp focus on QUOTE "the mission" UNQUOTE adds to a dangerous dynamic in which women, already a minority in the high-tech workplace, might be willing to put up with unacceptable behaviors to achieve success. If left unresolved, insiders are concerned this culture could someday extend to astronauts on assignment or deep space colonization efforts.

The space industry, a cutting-edge field rife with romanticized goals of exploration, has an ancient problem: sexism and harassment, Florida Today reports. A group of former and current Blue Origin employees published an essay last month calling out sexism at Jeff Bezos' spaceflight company. Dozens have joined a Facebook group dedicated to offering support in dealing with inappropriate behavior on the job, leading some to make their stories public. According to experts and whistleblowers, the idealistic nature of space exploration and sharp focus on QUOTE "the mission" UNQUOTE adds to a dangerous dynamic in which women, already a minority in the high-tech workplace, might be willing to put up with unacceptable behaviors to achieve success. If left unresolved, insiders are concerned this culture could someday extend to astronauts on assignment or deep space colonization efforts.

News briefs from the state of Florida.

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News Briefs from the state of Florida.

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