A Marine Corps veteran says she was humiliated after being forced to remove her t-shirt supporting veterans’ mental health awareness on a Delta Airlines flight. Catherine Banks, who served 22 years in the Marine Corps, was asked to leave the plane at San Francisco International Airport because her t-shirt was deemed “threatening” by a flight attendant.
The shirt, which read, “Do Not Give In To The War Within. End Veteran Suicide,” is part of a project that raises funds to help veterans struggling with mental health. Banks, who was traveling to visit her Marine sister, was shocked by the flight attendant’s demand. “I’ve served in the Marine Corps for 22 years. I’m a veteran. I was just trying to support my fellow soldiers,” she said.
Despite her explanation, the flight attendant insisted she remove the shirt or be barred from the flight. Banks, who wasn’t wearing a bra, had to change into a sweatshirt in public. After complying, she was allowed back on the plane but was forced to sit in the back, despite having paid extra for a seat with more legroom. The incident caused her to miss a connecting flight.
Delta Airlines, which allows the removal of passengers if their attire causes offense, reached out to Banks on Friday to discuss the situation. However, no formal statement has been issued regarding the incident. Banks remains frustrated, saying the experience left her feeling disrespected and humiliated.
