American Airlines (AA) has discontinued its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) hiring quotas after a federal investigation found the practices violated anti-discrimination laws. The investigation was initiated by America First Legal (AFL), which accused AA of failing to comply with requirements tied to its federal contracts.
The OFCCP, part of the Department of Labor, investigated AA under Executive Order 11246. The order requires contractors to avoid employment discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, or national origin. Since 2008, AA has received $140 million in federal contracts, making compliance mandatory.
The investigation, which began Dec. 13, uncovered evidence of discriminatory practices in AA’s hiring and promotional policies, including the Cadet Academy program. Following a compliance review, AA admitted it had violated the law and agreed to cease DEI-based hiring practices.
AFL counsel Will Scolinos praised the outcome, stating, “American Airlines’ agreement is another step forward in eliminating illegal discrimination from corporate America.”
The OFCCP has also pursued similar violations at United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, both of which have committed to ending DEI quotas. Together, these airlines control nearly 50% of the U.S. aviation market.
AFL has vowed to continue challenging discriminatory policies at companies benefiting from taxpayer-funded contracts, as the corporate world faces growing backlash against DEI initiatives.
