The NAACP is warning travelers — in particular, African Americans — that their safety could be compromised if they fly American Airlines, citing a series of "troublesome conduct" by employees.
The travel advisory issued Tuesday is the latest supported by the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization, which saw its Missouri chapter in June issue a similar advisory for that state after various cases of alleged discrimination.
In the case of American Airlines, "the growing list of incidents suggesting racial bias reflects an unacceptable corporate culture and involves behavior that cannot be dismissed as normal or random," newly installed NAACP President Derrick Johnson said in a statement, adding that he wants a meeting with the airline's leadership.
The NAACP in a news release listed four examples of what it called "possible racial bias," although it didn't provide details about the passengers involved or when the alleged incidents occurred.
From Aug.: NAACP leader: 'This is a state of emergency' 4:10
According to the group, one incident involved a black man who had to give up his purchased tickets from Washington, D.C. to Raleigh-Durham International Airport because he "responded to disrespectful and discriminatory comments" made by two "unruly white passengers."
In another case, the group says, a black woman and her infant child were taken off a flight from Atlanta to New York when she asked that her stroller be retrieved from the checked baggage before she got off the plane.
An American Airlines spokeswoman didn't comment directly about the allegations, but said the company was "disappointed" in the travel advisory and said its staff is "proud to serve customers of all backgrounds."
Spokeswoman Shannon Gilson added in a statement that it would invite the NAACP to the airline's Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters.
"We are committed to having a meaningful dialogue about our airline and are ready to both listen and engage," Gilson said.
Related: NAACP Names New President Amid Time of 'Tremendous Challenge'
The NAACP said travel advisories are issued when it believes "conditions on the ground pose a substantial risk of harm to black Americans." The advisory for Missouri — the first of its kind — remained in effect through the end of August, when a law that prompted that travel warning formally went into effect.
Johnson said the national travel advisory concerning American Airlines will continue until the group's concerns are addressed.
The airline industry has faced a barrage of complaints and calls for reform after recent cases of passenger mistreatment. In one high-profile incident in April, a 69-year-old Kentucky doctor was dragged off a United Airlines flight by aviation officers, resulting in injuries and a concussion. The airline settled with him and said it would install new policies.
In another incident caught on video that same month, an American Airlines flight attendant reportedly hit a female passenger with a stroller while she was holding her baby. He was suspended amid an investigation.
No comments:
Post a Comment