Historian David K. Johnson, author of 2004 book The Lavender Scare,[37] has stated that there is no evidence Webb led or instigated any persecution, nor played “any sort of leadership role in the lavender scare”.[33] According to astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi, the initial accusations that Webb was part of the lavender scare were based on a quote from John Peurifoy (who, like Webb, had the rank of “Undersecretary of State”) which was wrongly attributed to Webb.[38][35]
TIL
And yep played neutral during a time where if you acted like an Ally “what are you ghey?!” Would be the response and career ender. If I read that correctly.
40s federal government was stuck in the 40s, and Webb did not actively rebel against them.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_E._Webb#Controversy_about_telescope_name
TIL
And yep played neutral during a time where if you acted like an Ally “what are you ghey?!” Would be the response and career ender. If I read that correctly.