The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has faced criticism from both politicians and the public over its diversity hiring initiative, which proactively recruits workers with “severe intellectual”, “psychological” and other disabilities. facing concerns.
“All I ask is that the FAA hire people based on who is best qualified for the job, who will best protect our airspace and ensure the safety of all of us.” said Congressman Jeff Van Drew (RN.J.). The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee told Fox News Digital on Monday. “That's the FAA's job, and it's not the FAA's job to be politically correct.”
Fox News Digital reported Sunday on the FAA's website:Diversity and Inclusion” The employment plan aims to promote diversity, including people with “severe” disabilities.
Before elaborating on the “qualified individuals with disabilities” that the FAA is actively recruiting, the FAA site notes that “individuals with qualified or 'severe' disabilities are the most underrepresented members of the federal workforce.” This is a group that is highly valued.”
FAA's diversity push includes a focus on hiring people with “severe intellectual disabilities” and “mental disabilities.”
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg looks on as President Biden speaks during the announcement of new aviation regulations in South Court Auditorium on the White House campus on May 8, 2023. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
The FAA's website states: “A qualifying disability is one that the federal government has identified as a policy of special emphasis in recruiting and employment.” “These include hearing, vision, and limb deficiencies, partial and complete paralysis, epilepsy, severe intellectual disability, mental disability, and dwarfism.”
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Severe intellectual disability is defined by the Cleveland Clinic as: “The average mental age of people with severe intellectual disabilities is 3 to 6 years. They use single words, phrases, and/or gestures to communicate. I benefit from this in my activities and daily life.”
The FAA, overseen by Pete Buttigieg's Department of Transportation, is responsible for regulating civil aviation and employs about 45,000 people. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig/File)
The FAA, overseen by Pete Buttigieg's Department of Transportation, is responsible for regulating civil aviation and employs about 45,000 people.
When asked for comment on the initiative, including what roles people with disabilities would play, the FAA told Fox News Digital that the FAA is reviewing qualified candidates for various positions “from as many sources as possible.” He said he is conducting a thorough search and investigation into the suspect.
“The FAA employs tens of thousands of people in positions ranging from administrative roles to overseeing and performing critical safety functions. Like many large employers, the FAA employs tens of thousands of people in positions ranging from administrative roles to overseeing and performing critical safety functions. “We actively seek qualified candidates from a variety of sources, which of course vary by position, but must meet rigorous qualifications,” the FAA said.
The FAA's website notes that this initiative is not new and that the Diversity and Inclusion Initiative was last updated on March 23, 2022.
News of the hiring plan came Sunday with critics expressing general shock and arguing that flying is becoming more dangerous as the airline industry prioritizes DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). , spread across social media sites.
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Tech billionaire Elon Musk tweeted on Sunday in response to the FAA's DEI jobs plan, “I just had conversations with some smart people and couldn't believe this was happening.”
The popular X account “Libs of TikTok” tweeted, “Because of diversity quotas, people with severe intellectual and mental disabilities will be in charge of air travel. DEI will kill people.” .
Actor James Woods tweeted: “There's a difference between compassion and common sense. At 35,000 feet, I choose common sense.”
Other critics on social media ridiculed the initiative, characterizing it as “ridiculous” and calling on the FAA to be more thorough about hiring people with “severe intellectual” disabilities. Ta.
Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, president of Do No Harm, a group of medical professionals, medical students and policy makers working to “defend health care from radical, divisive and discriminatory ideologies,” said on Sunday on FOX He told News Digital the same thing about medical policy. The airline industry has a duty to protect travelers.
“Just as the healthcare industry has a responsibility for patient safety, the airline industry also has a responsibility for traveler safety. These responsibilities weigh above other factors when considering applicants to work in these fields. “People with disabilities who are able to successfully perform those duties should never be subjected to discrimination,” said Goldfarb, former associate dean of curriculum and former professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
A Boeing 737 MAX 9 test aircraft unveiled at Boeing Field in Seattle on March 22, 2019. (Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
Goldfarb said, “Unfortunately, identity politics creates opportunities for so-called oppressed groups by lowering the bar for entry into the field, and as a result, aims to serve the field.'' “It's putting people's safety at risk. Some initiatives are completely unsuitable for identity politics.” ,” he added.
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The FAA, along with Boeing and other aviation industry leaders, has been in the spotlight in recent days after a Boeing 737 Max 9's door plug exploded during an accident. Alaska Airlines flight on January 5th. Following the incident, the FAA grounded all 737 MAX 9 aircraft and is conducting “extensive inspections” and maintenance work.
In the wake of the incident, social media commenters and celebrities have argued that airlines and airlines' emphasis on DEI efforts is making planes less safe.
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“Would you like to fly on a plane that prioritizes DEI recruitment?” To protect your own safety?“Mr. Musk asked on 'X' last week. “It's actually happening.”
