American Airlines Facing allegations of racial discrimination after Three Black Passengers kicked out from a flight

Three black passengers from New York have filed a lawsuit against American Airlines in federal court, alleging “blatant and egregious race discrimination.

 American Airlines is being sued for discrimination.Nate Hovee – stock.adobe.com

” Xavier Veal, Emmanuel Jean Joseph, and Alvin Jackson claim they have unfairly kicked off a Phoenix-to-JFK flight on January 5th after a false complaint about body odour.

The men, who had never met before the flight, were shocked by the sudden expulsion. When they demanded an explanation, they were told it was due to a complaint about body odour allegedly made by a white male flight attendant.

The men argued that they were singled out because of their race, a sentiment seemingly supported by an American Airlines employee who reportedly said, “I agree, I agree.”

A cellphone recording obtained by the Washington Post verifies the employee’s response.

The remaining passengers on the flight faced a delay of at least an hour, attributed to the complaint about the men’s body odour.

Eventually, the ousted passengers were forced to reboard the original flight, enduring stares from other passengers who viewed them as the cause of the delay.

The eight men were eventually made to return to the plane from which they had been removed. Corbis via Getty Images

Veal described the experience as “horrible” and “traumatic,” emphasizing the broader reality of being a black man in America. The men, who had not known each other before the flight, connected at JFK’s baggage claim afterwards.

Their lawsuit seeks not only compensation but also significant changes within American Airlines, which has faced previous accusations of racism. In 2017, the NAACP warned black travellers to avoid American Airlines, citing multiple incidents of alleged discrimination.

Michael Kirkpatrick, the lead lawyer on the case, criticized the lack of intervention during the incident, emphasizing the need for someone to step up and stop the discrimination.

American Airlines responded to the allegations, stating that it takes all discrimination claims seriously and is investigating the matter.

They emphasized their commitment to providing a positive experience for all passengers.

The lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns about racial profiling and discrimination in the airline industry, underscoring the need for greater accountability and proactive measures to address such issues.

The case raises questions about airline staff training and oversight and companies’ responsibility to ensure the fair treatment of all passengers.

It also underscores the broader challenges faced by minority travellers and the need for systemic change to address racial bias and discrimination in all aspects of society.

The outcome of the lawsuit could significantly impact how airlines handle complaints and allegations of discrimination in the future.

It serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the airline industry.

As the case unfolds, it will be closely watched by advocates for racial justice and equality.

Sola Adeniji

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