Delta Air Lines has updated its employee uniform policy after a controversy involving two flight attendants who wore Palestinian flag pins. This situation was sparked by a social media post and the airline’s subsequent “unacceptable” response. The revised dress code, which took effect on Monday, now prohibits employees from wearing pins that represent any country other than the United States.
Last week, a passenger shared a photo of the two flight attendants—without their permission—showing them with the Palestine flag pins, labeling them as “Hamas badges.” This post quickly went viral on X and led to significant criticism directed at the airline.
Shortly after the images surfaced, Delta’s official account on X stated, “Nothing to worry, this is being investigated already.” They also added, “I hear you; I’d be terrified as well.” However, the airline later deleted this post and issued an apology for what they called a “hurtful post,” explaining, “On Wednesday, we removed a reply that did not align with our values.”
On July 11, Delta’s Association of Flight Attendants sent a letter to CEO Ed Bastian, stating that the flight attendants faced “harassment” after photos taken without their consent were shared on social media, accompanied by false, inflammatory, and discriminatory claims.
The union demanded a public apology from management, claiming that Delta’s social media reactions “showed contempt for current employees, and the subsequent lack of public response and concern for the safety of all crew members is unacceptable.”
“Observing Delta appear to support hateful and provocative remarks in public is extremely alarming,” the union stated.
“Targeting any individual based only on their nationality is against Delta’s stated commitment to inclusivity and respect, violates anti-discrimination laws, and fosters a hostile work environment.”
The largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the US, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), described Delta’s response as the most recent instance of “anti-Palestinian racism.”
The two flight attendants who wore the Palestine flag pins were in compliance with Delta’s dress code rules prior to the commotion, which allowed staff members greater latitude when it came to accessorizing their uniforms.
The continuing tensions surrounding Israel’s war on Hamas, which have sparked rallies across the US and on college campuses, are reflected in Delta’s policy change.
The airline based in Atlanta released a statement saying, “We are proud of our diverse base of employees and customers and the foundation of our brand.”
The statement continued, stating that the “employee responsible no longer supports Delta’s social channels” and that “we are taking this step to help ensure a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for all.”
The Gaza Ministry of Health reports that since the conflict started on October 7, Israel’s constant bombardment of the territory has killed over 38,700 Palestinians.
The Washington Post quoted Edward Ahmed Mitchell, national deputy executive director of CAIR, stating that while the organization welcomed Delta’s apology, they “hope this incident will start to gradually move things in a different direction.”
