The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is receiving backlash for its diversity hiring initiative that actively recruits workers with “severe intellectual” disabilities, “psychiatric” issues, and other disabilities. The initiative aims to boost diversity within the agency, but critics argue that it should prioritize hiring based on qualifications and the ability to ensure airspace safety.
Congressman Jeff Van Drew, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, expressed his concerns about the FAA’s hiring practices, stating that their main responsibility should be to protect airspace and ensure the safety of all passengers. He emphasized the importance of hiring the most qualified individuals for the job.
The FAA’s website outlines its “Diversity and Inclusion” hiring plan, which specifically targets disabilities that are underrepresented in the Federal workforce. These disabilities include hearing and vision impairments, missing extremities, paralysis, epilepsy, severe intellectual disability, psychiatric disability, and dwarfism.
Severe intellectual disability is defined as having an average mental age between 3 and 6 years, relying on single words, phrases, or gestures for communication, and requiring daily care and support. The FAA, overseen by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s Department of Transportation, employs approximately 45,000 people and seeks qualified candidates from various sources for different positions.
Critics of the initiative argue that prioritizing diversity over qualifications and safety could potentially endanger air travel. Tech billionaire Elon Musk expressed disbelief and concern over the hiring of individuals with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities, stating that DEI initiatives could lead to fatal consequences.
Various social media users and public figures also criticized the FAA’s initiative, calling it “nuts” and questioning the agency’s decision to hire individuals with severe intellectual disabilities. Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, chair of Do No Harm, a group focused on protecting healthcare from discriminatory ideologies, highlighted the responsibility of the aviation industry to prioritize traveler safety and argued against lowering standards for entry into critical fields.
The FAA’s diversity hiring initiative gained attention following an incident where a door plug on a Boeing 737 Max 9 blew out during an Alaska Airlines flight, leading to the grounding of all 737 MAX 9 planes. Critics argue that the emphasis on DEI initiatives within the airline industry has compromised safety.
In conclusion, the FAA’s diversity hiring initiative is facing criticism for prioritizing diversity over qualification and safety concerns. While the agency aims to boost diversity within its workforce, critics argue that ensuring the safety of air travel should be the primary focus. The initiative has sparked a debate regarding the balance between diversity and qualifications in critical fields such as aviation.
