President Trump issued an executive order Tuesday directing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to “return to non-discriminatory, merit-based hiring” and eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
“I direct the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to immediately return to nondiscriminatory, merit-based hiring as required by law,” the directive reads.
“All so-called DEI initiatives, including all dangerous priority policies or practices to hire, promote and treat employees based on their individual abilities, abilities, achievements and commitment, must be immediately rolled back.”
The guidance follows Trump’s Monday executive order to halt DEI efforts in all federal workplaces.
The Republican leader said DEI hiring policies, which aim to consider individuals who have historically faced career barriers due to race or gender discrimination, could disrupt passengers’ “trust” in an individual’s abilities.
“Unlawful and discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring based on race, gender, disability, or any other criteria other than the safety of airline passengers and overall job excellence, competency, and qualifications harms all Americans.” “He is qualified to fly with confidence,” the order reads.
