Right-wing media have continued to blame diversity, equity, and inclusion measures for theoretical airplane accidents after a widely publicized Boeing 737 Max malfunction, attacking the principles of DEI to suggest that plane failures are the result of airlines hiring Black pilots and employees of color. Some figures have questioned whether Black pilots are “qualified” and have called DEI “racist.” 

• Right-wing media have baselessly blamed Boeing plane’s malfunction on DEI
• Following a malfunction that caused a Boeing 737 Max 9’s door to dislodge mid-flight, right-wing media were quick to blame diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for the mechanical malfunction. In their criticisms, figures claimed that the airplane manufacturer had a “DEI obsession” that created a “major risk to airline safety.” Some also blamed Federal Aviation Administration guidelines that promote hiring people with physical and intellectual disabilities and from other underrepresented groups. [Media Matters, 1/12/24, 1/18/24]
• DEI measures have been repeatedly demonized by right-wing media figures and used to question the merits of the groups meant to benefit from […]