(Cupventi.com) – American Airlines has reportedly decided to end its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hiring and employment practices, signaling a shift away from initiatives criticized by some as “woke.” The announcement aligns the airline with a growing number of corporations stepping back from such policies amid increasing scrutiny.
The development came after America First Legal (AFL), a conservative watchdog organization, filed a complaint accusing American Airlines of discriminatory employment practices that allegedly violated federal contracting requirements. On Tuesday, AFL revealed that the airline had agreed to “abandon discriminatory employment practices.”
“The airline acknowledged that recruiting and hiring based on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) violates federal laws and equal employment opportunities,” AFL stated. In January, AFL had accused American Airlines of contravening federal civil rights laws by employing hiring practices that prioritized DEI principles.
AFL’s complaint highlighted that since 2008, American Airlines has received over $140 million in federal government contracts and pledged compliance with Executive Order 11246, which prohibits discrimination in hiring based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. However, AFL alleged that the airline engaged in race and sex discrimination within its hiring programs, Cadet Academy recruitment, and promotional processes.
Last week, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) convened an informal compliance conference with American Airlines to address the allegations. According to AFL, the meeting prompted the airline to agree to revise its DEI-focused hiring policies.
“American Airlines acknowledged and agreed to end its illegal race and sex-based discrimination in hiring and promotional practices,” AFL stated. Will Scolinos, counsel for America First Legal, praised the reversal, asserting, “American companies must return to using merit—not the desire to check a DEI box—to select the most skilled and qualified employees. American Airlines’ agreement with the OFCCP is AFL’s latest victory in our fight to put illegal discrimination on the no-fly list.”
American Airlines has yet to respond to media inquiries regarding the matter.
Other airlines have also faced similar backlash over DEI hiring practices. AFL has filed complaints against United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, accusing them of engaging in racial and sex discrimination. In January, comments made by United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby in 2021 resurfaced, sparking controversy. Kirby had stated that the airline aimed for 50% of its graduating pilot classes to be composed of women or people of color. Critics, including public figures like Elon Musk, accused the airline of prioritizing DEI commitments over safety.
AFL announced that both United and Southwest Airlines had agreed to end “illegal, discriminatory hiring practices, including quotas and benchmarks for recruiting and hiring based on race and sex,” citing confirmation from OFCCP. However, Southwest Airlines denied any reversal in its policies, maintaining its commitment to DEI hiring.
“Southwest Airlines will continue to recruit, hire, and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations,” the company said in a statement to Fox News Digital. It clarified that during an informal conference on December 2, the OFCCP reiterated the importance of abiding by federal regulations and made no determination of violations by the airline.
United Airlines has not commented on the allegations.
The broader aviation industry has found itself at the center of a national debate over DEI initiatives and their impact on safety and qualifications. Earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) faced criticism for prioritizing diversity in its hiring efforts. The agency’s website highlighted its efforts to recruit individuals with severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric conditions, and other challenges, sparking public concern over the qualifications of new hires.
In January, these concerns were amplified after a plug door on a Boeing 737 Max 9 malfunctioned during an Alaska Airlines flight, prompting the FAA to ground all 737 MAX 9 planes for inspection. Critics took to social media to blame the prioritization of DEI hiring practices for potentially compromising safety.
When approached for comment, the FAA defended its hiring practices, stating that it seeks and thoroughly vets qualified candidates “from as many sources as possible” for a range of positions. The agency emphasized its efforts to address underrepresentation among federal workers, including those with disabilities.
As the debate over DEI policies continues to evolve, the aviation industry faces mounting pressure to balance inclusivity with maintaining high safety and performance standards.