Discrimination is Back in Style
by Joe Cheray, Chair of Disabilities Caucus of the KDP.
So here is a new order that will impact disabled Americans in one sector of employment.
The so-called "Keeping Americans Safe in Aviation" Executive Order falsely accuses the FAA under Biden of betraying "its mission by elevating dangerous discrimination over excellence." (link to White House official source, sadly)
The order cuts all DEI programs within FAA and directs the Secretary of Transportation and FAA to "review the past performance and performance standards of all individuals in critical safety positions and take all appropriate action to ensure that any individual who fails or has failed to demonstrate requisite capability is replaced ..." In other words —- "witch hunt"
But there is this line that is especially troubling, claiming that the prior administration's lawful hiring policy "penalizes hard-working Americans who want to serve in the FAA but are unable to do so, as they lack a requisite disability or skin color."
Lacking a requisite disability? Um I know it's been a long time since I applied for a job but when I did apply there was never conversations around oh hey we're only looking for someone who has cerebral palsy, or autism, or >>>inset an number of other disabilities here<<<.
You are asked or at least were asked when I would apply if you had any limitations that would prevent you from doing the work in the job description. If NO then you moved on to the next question. If it was Yes then there is the ability in the interview to discuss what accommodations you would need.
There are many jobs within the aviation industry individuals with disabilities can do. Maybe not as fast as an able bodied individual but they can do the work.
The hateful damage is not just limited to this one Executive Order.
Trump also rescinded Executive Order 14035 of June 25, 2021 titled "Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce". Check the website - Gone.
A blank page awaits when searching for the 6/25/21 EO 14035 on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility in the Federal Workforce (search as of 1/22/25)
He also nuked Workplace Discrimination Rules enacted by LBJ via Executive Order (EO 11246) in 1965 that promoted affirmative action among federal contractors. The rule forbade federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. It gave the power to enforce its provisions to the Labor Department through a contracting standards office. (huffpost via aol)
In December, under Biden's leadership, the Department of Labor had proposed a rule to phase out certificates that allowed payment of less than minimum wage to worker's with disabilities - a troublesome idea that the Department itself found no longer represented the realities of the workplace.
For a period today, the announcement appeared entirely suppressed. As of 9 pm this evening, the page shows up, but with a disclaimer "As of 01/20/2025, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies." Read it while it remains and remember.
My friends, the disability community is in for a rough 4 years. We need to do everything we can to shore up our community here in Kansas so we are prepared for what comes next.