Delta Changes Uniform Policy After Employees Are Seen With Palestine Flag Pins

Delta Air Lines is changing its employee uniform policy after two flight attendants were photographed wearing Palestinian flag pins. Now, team members are only allowed to wear U.S. flags on their uniforms.

Per the Associated Press, Delta made the following statement regarding the change: “We are proud of our diverse base of employees and customers and the foundation of our brand, which is to connect the world and provide a premium experience. We are taking this step to help ensure a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for all.”

In a since-deleted post, Delta responded to concerns about the flight attendants wearing the pins from its own X account. “I hear you as I’d be terrified as well, personally. Our employees reflect our culture and we do not take it lightly when our policy is not being followed,” Delta wrote, according to a screenshot of the exchange shared by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). 

On Wednesday, we removed a reply that was not in line with our values. We strive for an environment of inclusivity & respect for all, in our communities & our planes. The employee responsible no longer supports Delta’s social channels. We apologize for this hurtful post.

— Delta (@Delta) July 11, 2024

CAIR national deputy director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said Delta’s response was reprehensible and called on the airline to issue an apology. “Whether this racist post on Delta’s X account was approved or unauthorized, Delta must apologize and take steps to educate its employees about this type of dangerous anti-Palestinian racism. Bigotry against Palestinian-Americans is absolutely out of control in workplaces and at schools — and it must stop,” he said in a statement. 

Delta said of the social media post, “On Wednesday, we removed a reply that was not aligned with our values. We strive for an environment of inclusivity & respect for all in our communities & our planes. The employee responsible no longer supports Delta’s social channels. We apologize for this hurtful post.” The airline noted that pins representing countries and nationalities of the world used to be permitted, according to Fox Business.

Delta also stated that the flight attendants photographed with the pins were not fired, “contrary to further chatter on social media platforms.”