Delta Air Lines is shaking things up with a new employee uniform policy in response to a recent controversy. A passenger sparked outrage over two flight attendants who were photographed wearing Palestinian pins, causing a social media firestorm.
Delta Air Lines, based in Atlanta, has decided to ban its employees from wearing pins representing any country or nationality besides the U.S. This decision comes after the incident involving the Palestinian pins, which were erroneously referred to as “Hamas badges” in the initial post that went viral. The new policy will be implemented starting Monday.
In a statement, Delta emphasized its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The airline stated, “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.”
This policy change reflects the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has led to protests and disruptions on various platforms, including college campuses.
Prior to this decision, Delta allowed employees more flexibility with uniform accessories. The flight attendants pictured wearing the Palestinian pins were following the old policy.
In response to the controversy, one Delta employee took matters into their own hands by publicly criticizing the flight attendants and their choice of accessory. This action led to the removal of the employee from social media duties and an official apology from Delta.