The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has threatened to reimpose a travel ban on American Airlines. This was after eight Black men were briefly removed from an aircraft due to a body odor complaint that resulted in a lawsuit filed late last month.
2017 Travel Advisory of NAACP Against American Airlines
In 2017, the civil rights group warned African American travelers to be cautious of American Airlines after many complaints of discrimination.
According to The Hill, four disturbing incidences were highlighted by the group at the time as evidence that Black Americans were treated disrespectfully, discriminatorily, or in dangerous circumstances throughout the airline's booking and boarding processes.
In response, American Airlines established a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) panel. In mid-2018, the NAACP removed its ban. However, because DEI projects are becoming more political, the American Airlines' panel was dissolved last year.
American Airlines Asked to Resolve Discrimination Claims
Amid growing discrimination claims, the NAACP is renewing its demand that the airline address the issue. In a statement on June 4, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson highlighted the need for ongoing accountability and the resolution of this apparent trend, citing recent discriminatory acts by corporate workers.
Johnson urged the carrier to reestablish the advisory council and reunite with the NAACP to guarantee the fair treatment of all American Airlines customers. "Without a swift and decisive response, the NAACP will be forced to reinstate an advisory against the airline," Johnson noted.
Black Men vs. American Airlines
NAACP's call on American Airlines comes after three Black men sued the carrier for alleged racial discrimination. The plaintiffs are Xavier Veal, Alvin Jackson, and Emmanuel Jean Joseph.
In January, a flight attendant asked the three and five other Black men to get off the plane. The flight was from Phoenix, Arizona, going to New York. At the gate, an airline official told them they were removed because a White male flight attendant complained about an unidentified passenger's body odor.
Eventually, they were allowed to return to their seats. However, the men said returning to their seats after the unjustified delay was much more embarrassing and humiliated them.
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