A passenger jet and a military BlackHawk helicopter collided over the Potomac River on Jan. 29 outside of Washington. Of the 67 people aboard both vessels, no one survived. This is the deadliest aircraft incident since 9/11. This tragedy has brought to light dozens of near-misses at this same location, many involving military aircraft.
The Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport was dubbed “the most dangerous airport in the United States,” by a pilot in 2015, meaning it has been facing considerable issues for over a decade, with no changes.
President Donald Trump claimed — without evidence — that the crash was the fault of diversity hiring. He then cited a policy on the Federal Aviation Administration website stating that it promotes hiring people with disabilities, blaming former president Joe Biden for adding it to the website. However, it had been on the site since 2013, and remained throughout Trump’s first term, which he refuted.
Trump placed all workers involved with “diversity, equity, and inclusion on leave” once he took office, according to The Independent. He even claimed that the DEI has been behind every major disaster.
DEI stands for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and is a “concept and practice used by organizations to recognize and value differences among people, ensure fair opportunities for everyone and foster a work environment where all feel welcomed and accepted,” according to Built In. This is crucial to the U. S. because it is a country that contains people from countless different cultures, identities and personal struggles. The DEI is to promote equity, not cause plane crashes or natural disasters, contrary to current belief.
The audacity to blame an organization that has been working to end discrimination and hate is unfathomable. If he had evidence to support his theories driven from “common sense,” perhaps one could investigate such issues. However, these accusations seem to be focusing on finding a scapegoat rather than mourn with the families of the 67 lives lost, and to work to remedy this recurring issue.
jamabil3@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of Pexels
