Delta Air Lines has updated its policy to permit only American flag pins for flight attendants following criticism over attendants wearing Palestinian flag pins. This change was announced over the weekend and took effect Monday, according to The New York Times.
The policy revision followed viral photos of two flight attendants wearing Palestinian flag pins on social media. One comment labeled the pins as “Hamas badges,” creating a stir online. Delta’s official social media response acknowledged the concern, stating, “I hear you as I’d be terrified as well, personally.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned Delta’s reaction, describing it as “anti-Palestinian racism.” Delta subsequently deleted the response and apologized, declaring, “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.”
Prior to the policy change, Delta staff were allowed to wear pins representing non-U.S. flags. A Delta spokesperson noted that the flight attendants in question adhered to existing uniform guidelines and that the airline had reached out to support them.
This incident highlights the broader impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on U.S. businesses, similar to how Google recently dismissed over 50 employees for protesting the company’s association with the Israeli military.