The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has come under scrutiny for actively recruiting workers with "severe intellectual" disabilities, psychiatric problems, and other mental and physical conditions as part of its diversity and inclusion hiring initiative.

The agency's website states that these disabilities are considered "targeted disabilities" and are given special emphasis in recruitment and hiring. The FAA's Diversity and Inclusion hiring plan claims that diversity is crucial in achieving its mission of ensuring safe and efficient travel.

Critics argue that prioritizing diversity over safety is a cause for concern, especially in light of recent incidents in the airline industry.

Blown out window of a Boeing 737 Max 9 during an Alaska Airlines flight.

Just days ago, a plug door on a Boeing 737 Max 9 blew out during an Alaska Airlines flight, leading to the grounding of all 737 MAX 9 planes. The FAA is currently conducting extensive inspections and maintenance work in response to the incident. Some social media commenters and public figures have suggested that the industry's focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives has compromised safety.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk took to Twitter, asking if people want to fly in airplanes where DEI hiring is prioritized over safety.

Commentator Matt Walsh wrote an op-ed claiming that the DEI emphasis in the airline industry is worse than people realize.

However, civil rights groups have criticized these arguments, calling them abhorrent and pathetic.

The FAA justifies its diversity hiring initiative by stating that people with "severe" disabilities are the most under-represented segment of the federal workforce. The agency claims to actively support and engage with various associations, programs, coalitions, and initiatives to accommodate employees from diverse backgrounds. When asked about the specific roles people with disabilities would fulfill, the FAA stated that it thoroughly seeks and vets qualified candidates from various sources for a range of positions.

The FAA’s website shows the agency’s guidelines on diversity hiring were last updated on March 23, 2022.

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The FAA's website outlines that managers can hire disabled individuals and veterans through an "On-the-Spot hiring process" with the submission of required documentation. The agency also states that employees with disabilities will be provided reasonable accommodations on the job.

As the FAA continues to prioritize diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices, the debate over the potential impact on safety in the aviation industry will most certainly persist.