American Airlines (AA) will no longer apply DEI quotas to recruitment and hiring after admitting these policies violated federal anti-discrimination laws. The decision follows a complaint from America First Legal (AFL) that prompted the Department of Labor’s OFCCP to investigate.
Under Executive Order 11246, federal contractors must avoid discrimination in hiring, promotions and training. Since 2008, AA has received $140 million in federal contracts, making adherence to the order a legal requirement.
The OFCCP began its investigation on Dec. 13, interviewing AA representatives and reviewing company records. Evidence showed AA prioritized race and gender in hiring practices, including in its Cadet Academy program, in violation of federal rules.
AA acknowledged its noncompliance and agreed to end DEI-based hiring quotas. AFL counsel Will Scolinos called the decision a victory for merit-based employment practices, stating, “American companies must select the most qualified candidates without resorting to illegal discrimination.”
The OFCCP has pursued similar investigations at United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, which have also agreed to abandon race and gender quotas. Combined, the three airlines represent about half of U.S. air traffic.
This case reflects a broader trend against corporate DEI policies, as recent court rulings and federal reviews signal increasing resistance to discriminatory practices in the name of diversity.
