| Non Discrimination on the Basis of Race,
Color, National Origin, Sex or Creed |
In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, security measures have been heightened for the safety of all. While safety and security are the highest priorities, of equal importance is a smooth, and safe experience for all individuals as their journey takes them through the aviation system.
Protecting the constitutional and civil rights of country’s citizens remains one of the government’s highest priorities. None of the new security measures decrease the responsibility of airports and airlines to enforce the Civil Rights Act and the regulations regarding discrimination. Federal civil rights laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of a person’s race color, national origin, religion, and sex.
However, everyone may experience some inconveniences and delays while the nation adjusts to the new security reality. You may be asked to exhibit an increased level of cooperation in security searches with today’s new security regulations. Please assist the security staff in accomplishing their required tasks. Private security screenings requests should be accommodated when possible. Just as there can be no discrimination against people on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or creed, there can be no compromise to the commitment and enforcement of safety and security standards in the aviation community.
For general information and inquiries on the air traveler with respect to a discrimination complaint, contact:
- the Customer Relations or Consumer Affairs office of the airline or airport for airline or airport problems;
- your local Department of Transportation (DAT) to register your concern about airline service when experiencing air travel service problems regarding discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex or sexual orientation;
- your local Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for general information for the air traveler on equal opportunity matters;
- the country’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), who helps employers and labor unions guard against unlawful discrimination and investigates incidents regarding workplace discrimination against innocent individuals because of their religion, ethnicity, or country of origin;
- the Department of Justice’ Civil Rights Division, who combats discrimination by receiving reports of violations, conducting outreach to vulnerable communities to provide information, and working with other Department of Justice components and agencies.
While we are certain that contacting and coordinating with the airline and/or airport in advance will make your trip a smooth one, we realize that things do not always go as planned. As an air traveler, if you feel that you have been treated in a discriminatory manner and in a way inconsistent with the safe carriage of all passengers, you may file a complaint against the airline or airport owner. Complaints on discrimination matters regarding race, color, national origin, sex or creed should be filed with the following:
- Complaints and concerns against airlines in providing air transportation regarding discrimination against persons based on race, color or national origin, should be directed to DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division.
- Complaints and concerns against 1) businesses serving the public on the airport property regarding discrimination, or 2) against an airport operator/owner in providing services at the airport or in airport programs regarding discrimination against persons, should be directed to your local FAA’s Office of Civil Rights.
- Complaints and concerns regarding discrimination based on race, color, national origin or sex in programs or activities of federally assisted entities or in the provision of public accommodations, should be directed to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
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