American Airlines Ends DEI Hiring Practices After Federal Compliance Review
The airline agreed to halt diversity-focused hiring policies following discrimination allegations, as companies reassess DEI strategies under legal and political scrutiny.
- American Airlines has agreed to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring practices after a federal compliance review prompted by a complaint from America First Legal (AFL).
- The airline acknowledged that DEI-focused hiring and promotion policies violated federal equal employment laws and contractual obligations tied to government contracts.
- This move follows similar DEI rollbacks by other companies, including Walmart, Ford, and John Deere, which have faced pressure from conservative activists and legal challenges.
- Despite publicized changes, experts note that many companies, including American Airlines, continue to support broader diversity goals while adjusting language and visibility of DEI programs.
- Activists and analysts remain divided on the long-term impact of these shifts, with some viewing them as performative while others see them as signaling a broader retreat from corporate DEI commitments.
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