The Federal Aviation Administration is facing steep backlash after it announced it would actively seek out workers with “severe intellectual” disabilities and “psychiatric” issues.
The FAA’s website says, “Because diversity is so critical, FAA actively supports and engages in a variety of associations, programs, coalitions and initiatives to support and accommodate employees from diverse communities and backgrounds.”
However, it appears not all politicians are on board with the new initiative. Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew (N.J.), who currently serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, told Fox News Digital that “all I ask is that the FAA hire individuals based on who is most qualified for the position and who will best protect our airspace, ensuring that we are all safe.”
“That is the job of the FAA; it is not their job to be politically correct.”
Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, chair of Do No Harm, said the aviation industry has the same responsibility as the medical field, which is to care for people.
“The aviation industry has a responsibility for traveler safety just as the health care industry has a responsibility for patient safety,” Goldfarb said.
“These responsibilities outweigh other factors when considering applicants to work in those fields. People with disabilities who can successfully complete the task should never face discrimination,” said Goldfarb, a retired professor and the former associate dean for curriculum at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Goldfarb went on to say that it was “unfortunate” identity politics has gotten in the way, adding that diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are “creating opportunities for so-called oppressed groups by lowering standards for entry into those fields and thereby endangering the safety of those which it’s designed to serve. Some endeavors simply do not lend themselves to identity politics.”
Elon Musk posted to X: “Just had a conversation with some smart people could not believe this is happening.”
X account “Libs of TikTok” posted: “People with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities will be in charge of your air travel because of diversity quotas. DEI will get people killed.”
Blaze News previously reported how the FAA is in hot water after recent revelations that included an Alaska Airlines flight that was made to make an emergency landing after a section of the aircraft blew off mid-flight.
The report noted that during the flight, a section of the aircraft’s fuselage fell off, which included the panel’s window. Though there were no serious injuries during the incident, it raises questions about the future safety of commercial flights.
The FAA employs about 45,000 people.
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