Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator, has sparked controversy with his comments on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hiring practices in the airline industry. Kirk expressed skepticism about the qualifications of black pilots due to DEI policies, stating, 'I'm sorry. If I see a black pilot, I'm going to be like, 'Boy, I hope he's qualified.'' His remarks have led to a debate on social media, with some users accusing him of racism and questioning if there's any other word for it, while others defend his comments as a critique of DEI policies that create wariness and suspicion, rather than an attack on black pilots' competence.
No. It’s not racist. Don’t be ridiculous. The point @charliekirk11 is making that when you hire people based on DEI instead of skill and merit you create this kind of wariness and suspicion. DEI policies have done that. Not Charlie Kirk. Of course a black pilot could be perfectly�� https://t.co/2aMes7dwwv
I’m with you on this @charliekirk11 🙏 I’m very concerned as well. We’re seeing all kinds of crazy incidents with planes now. I had a black female pilot on my recent flight and I freaked out. I asked her if she was an affirmative action pilot. https://t.co/uaWFarIBEv
Charlie Kirk: “I’m sorry. If I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like, ‘Boy, I hope he’s qualified.’” Charlie Kirk is racist. Is there any other word for this? If that’s not racism, then what is? https://t.co/MdZ8sDSOZo
Charlie Kirk: "Be colorblind!" Charlie Kirk: "If i see a black pilot...i'm thinking i sure hope he's qualified"
Charlie Kirk says DEI hiring practices at the airliners has him questioning the ability of pilots: "If I see a black pilot, I'm going to be like, 'Boy, I hope he's qualified.'" https://t.co/J3SsivDjYC
Charlie Kirk: “I’m sorry. If I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like, ‘Boy, I hope he’s qualified.’” https://t.co/bbs48cxJhy