Flying on privilege, not merit? That is the system DEI is fixing. What you call “illegal racism” is just giving qualified people, who have been ignored for years, a fair shot. Take a look at history. Black pilots like the Tuskegee Airmen had to fight for basic recognition of their skill, and even after proving themselves in World War II, many were still denied commercial opportunities. Women like Jackie Cochran, Nancy Love, and Cornelia Fort paved the way through programs like the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), but airlines did not start hiring female pilots until the 1970s, with pioneers like Emily Howell Warner finally breaking through.
Nobody is lowering standards. Pilots, controllers, and mechanics still have to meet the same strict requirements under FAA regulations and safety protocols. DEI just makes sure talent is not overlooked because someone did not have the right connections or was not from the “usual crowd.”
If you really believe in hiring for merit, then you should support DEI. The old system was not about merit. It was about privilege. DEI ensures the best people rise based on skill, not on who had a head start.