Demand Transparency from UCAR on the Dismissal of NCAR Director Dr. Everette Joseph
The Issue
On Monday, November 9th, 2026, two letters came from Dr. Eric Barron, President of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), and Dr. Everette Joseph, Director of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). UCAR is a non-profit consortium of 129 Colleges and Universities and manages NCAR. The letters outlined Dr. Joseph's dismissal as the first African American to serve as director of NCAR in its 66-year history. The letters are not consistent and suggest that Dr. Joseph was forced out of NCAR. There needs to be more transparency about this process from the UCAR president and its Board of Trustees (BOT). There are more questions than answers, given that NCAR has been threatened with closure because of its climate work and DEI. The NCAR supercomputing facilities in Wyoming have been considered for transfer from NCAR's control, its aircraft are shuttered, and NCAR employees have lived with deep uncertainty.
The latest decision to dismiss Dr. Joseph has surprised many in the community. We need transparency from the Board on some of the items below.
Cause - Why was NCAR director Joseph dismissed? He had apparently been doing well and had led NCAR through very difficult times.
Timing - Why did this happen now? Dr. Joseph was under contract until 2029, but his last day was November 13, 2026.
Context - Many African American, Hispanic, and other non-white leaders have been removed from top leadership over the last 18 months. DEI-related staff and programs at NCAR and around the country have also been removed. Is Dr. Joseph’s removal a part of this unjust movement? Did UCAR's dismissal of Dr. Joseph comply with federal and state anti-discrimination laws?
NCAR's future- Is Dr. Joseph's dismissal related to the larger movement to close NCAR or radically change its structure? Are there outside forces that are involved?
Protecting NCAR’s employees and his history. For those of you who have visited NCAR, you know that it is a special place that I. M. Pei designed against the backdrop of the Flatirons. The people who have shaped NCAR in the past and today are special and undertake incredible science- from models and applications to aircraft campaigns. They deserve respect and transparency from UCAR so that NCAR will continue to serve the nation.
Sign this petition to get honest, transparent answers from UCAR, ensure no injustice was committed against Dr. Joseph, protect NCAR employees, and preserve NCAR as a national treasure for current and future students, staff, and scientists.
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The Issue
On Monday, November 9th, 2026, two letters came from Dr. Eric Barron, President of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), and Dr. Everette Joseph, Director of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). UCAR is a non-profit consortium of 129 Colleges and Universities and manages NCAR. The letters outlined Dr. Joseph's dismissal as the first African American to serve as director of NCAR in its 66-year history. The letters are not consistent and suggest that Dr. Joseph was forced out of NCAR. There needs to be more transparency about this process from the UCAR president and its Board of Trustees (BOT). There are more questions than answers, given that NCAR has been threatened with closure because of its climate work and DEI. The NCAR supercomputing facilities in Wyoming have been considered for transfer from NCAR's control, its aircraft are shuttered, and NCAR employees have lived with deep uncertainty.
The latest decision to dismiss Dr. Joseph has surprised many in the community. We need transparency from the Board on some of the items below.
Cause - Why was NCAR director Joseph dismissed? He had apparently been doing well and had led NCAR through very difficult times.
Timing - Why did this happen now? Dr. Joseph was under contract until 2029, but his last day was November 13, 2026.
Context - Many African American, Hispanic, and other non-white leaders have been removed from top leadership over the last 18 months. DEI-related staff and programs at NCAR and around the country have also been removed. Is Dr. Joseph’s removal a part of this unjust movement? Did UCAR's dismissal of Dr. Joseph comply with federal and state anti-discrimination laws?
NCAR's future- Is Dr. Joseph's dismissal related to the larger movement to close NCAR or radically change its structure? Are there outside forces that are involved?
Protecting NCAR’s employees and his history. For those of you who have visited NCAR, you know that it is a special place that I. M. Pei designed against the backdrop of the Flatirons. The people who have shaped NCAR in the past and today are special and undertake incredible science- from models and applications to aircraft campaigns. They deserve respect and transparency from UCAR so that NCAR will continue to serve the nation.
Sign this petition to get honest, transparent answers from UCAR, ensure no injustice was committed against Dr. Joseph, protect NCAR employees, and preserve NCAR as a national treasure for current and future students, staff, and scientists.
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Petition created on November 14, 2026