American airline Delta announced that starting July 15, only the US flag will be allowed on employee uniforms. This decision follows backlash over two employees wearing Palestinian flag pins.
The airline confirmed the change after a post on the platform "X" featured flight attendants with Palestinian flag pins. A user complained, stating, "Since 2001, we take off our shoes at every airport due to a terrorist attack on American soil. Now, imagine boarding a Delta flight and seeing workers sporting Hamas badges (referring to the Palestinian flag). What do you do?"
Delta's official account responded, acknowledging the user's fear and emphasizing the importance of following company policy. This reply triggered a wave of outrage on social media, leading Delta to distance itself from the employee responsible for the response and to issue an apology.
The company stated, "We have removed the response that does not align with our values. We strive to create an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone, in our communities and on our planes. The employee who made the comment is no longer supporting Delta's social channels. We apologize for this hurtful post."
Delta clarified that the employees in the photo had adhered to the airline's policy while wearing the pins and that no action was taken against them. However, the airline altered its policy regarding allowable pins on uniforms. Previously, Delta permitted flight attendants to wear pins representing other nations or identities.
In a statement, Delta expressed pride in its diverse employee and customer base, underscoring its brand’s foundation of connecting the world and providing an exceptional experience. The airline claimed this step is to help ensure a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for all.
The company Wear The Peace, which donates a piece of clothing for every purchase, expressed anger over Delta's ban on the pins. They posted on X: "Hello Delta, we know how Palestinian pins make you tremble with fear, so we made more. This pin has now donated over 1,000 meals to Gaza."
