Fort Worth (WBAP/KLIF) – American Airlines has faced backlash for allowing Black Lives Matter pins to be worn by employees who choose to do so.
Some of American’s Black employees noticed workers at other airlines sporting Black Lives Matter pins and asked if they could do the same, according to spokesperson Sarah Jantz.
Jantz said in a written statement:
“American Airlines believes in equity and inclusion for all. In light of the appropriate attention to lives of Black Americans, we will allow team members who wish to wear a Black Lives Matter pin.
Fundamentally, we believe Black Lives Matter is an expression of equality, not a political statement,” the statement continued. “It doesn’t mean other lives don’t matter, rather that in our society Black lives should matter and be valued the same as others. We are showing our support for our Black colleagues and customers who have experienced discrimination and injustice, not any particular organization.
“This decision underscores our belief that all people, regardless of race, gender or ethnicity, deserve to be treated with equality and respect.”
According to USA Today, American is working with its Black Professional Network to design a company-specific BLM pin.
The airline has done the same its other Employee Business Resource Groups, including its Christian, Veteran and LGBTQ groups.
Meantime, at least two American Airlines flight attendants have voiced opposition to the move.
The New York Post obtained a copy of an email to airline management by a veteran flight attendant who said, “Serious offense. My husband is a LEO (Law Enforcement Officer), as was my deceased father and as far as I’m concerned ALL LIVES MATTER.”
“I am completely disgusted at the fact that we can’t show support for our GOD, our COUNTRY, our LEOs but when it comes to BLM organization (which is controversial in itself), American Airlines says that’s obviously different,” she wrote. “And we can. How is that right? Well, I don’t feel included.”
Another flight attendant says that she will will a Tump pin if BLM are allowed.
Black Lives Matter protests stem from instances of what has been viewed as excessive force by law enforcement and are largely focused on anti-police-brutality, not anti-police. Recent ‘defund the police‘ efforts call for redirecting a portion of police budgets to social services that focus on mental health, drugs addiction, homelessness and more.
American Airlines announces they will allow flight attendants to wear 'Black Lives Matter' pins on duty. . . Many airline employees obviously took offence to this. Many are married to or have Police in their family. Some employees are vowing to wear 'Trump 2020" and Pro-Cop pins
— Stonewall Jackson (@1776Stonewall) September 7, 2020
Others have taken to social media to call for a boycott of American Airlines:
BOYCOTT American Airlines. You'll never get another dollar of my money. Racist, Marxist, anti-American bastards. End of line. Bye bye. #ALLLIVESMATTERhttps://t.co/TNbIjWYoeO
— Wayne Allyn Root (@RealWayneRoot) September 6, 2020
(Copyright 2020 WBAP/KLIF 24/7 News. This report contains material from USA Today and the New York Post.)
