American Airlines (AA) has agreed to end its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) hiring quotas following a federal complaint by America First Legal (AFL). The organization accused the airline of discriminatory practices in violation of federal law, prompting the U.S. Department of Labor to investigate.
The OFCCP found that AA’s DEI policies violated Executive Order 11246, which prohibits employment discrimination for federal contractors. Since 2008, AA has received $140 million in federal contracts, requiring the company to comply with strict anti-discrimination regulations.
AFL’s complaint pointed to hiring and promotional practices, including the Cadet Academy program, that allegedly prioritized candidates based on race and gender. After an investigation beginning Dec. 13, the OFCCP confirmed these violations and initiated remedial actions.
“American Airlines’ agreement with the OFCCP is AFL’s latest victory in our fight to put illegal discrimination on the no-fly list,” said AFL counsel Will Scolinos. He emphasized the importance of merit-based hiring in corporate America.
AA’s decision follows similar commitments from United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, which were also accused of discriminatory hiring practices. Together, the three airlines account for 50% of U.S. air travel.
This development reflects broader pushback against corporate DEI policies, including a federal court ruling that overturned NASDAQ’s DEI mandates for corporate boards. AFL has vowed to continue challenging discriminatory practices in companies benefiting from federal contracts.
