Delta Airlines is changing its uniform policy days after finding itself in hot water with customers over how it handled a viral social media post about Palestinian pins.
Starting Monday, Delta employees will no longer be able to wear pins representing countries or nationalities other than the United States.
“We are proud of the diversity of our employees and customers, as well as the foundation of our brand, which is to connect the world and provide a premium experience,” according to a statement obtained by USA TODAY on Friday. “We are taking this step to help ensure a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for all.”
What motivated the policy change?
It all started on Wednesday when an X user raised concerns about two Delta flight attendants wearing what they called “Hamas badges.”
“Since 2001, we have been taking off our shoes at every airport due to a terrorist attack on American soil,” the message read. “Now imagine boarding a Delta flight and seeing workers wearing Hamas badges in the air. What do you do?”
The post has exploded in recent days, with many online users siding with the Delta Airlines flight attendants, who point out that the badge is not a “Hamas badge” but rather the Palestinian flag. Other users criticized the badges, citing their security.
Delta responded to the post the same day, replying to the thread in an attempt to address the situation, writing, “I hear you, because I would be terrified too, personally. Our employees reflect our culture and we do not take lightly when our policy is not followed.”
The airline deleted the response after a wave of backlash, writing Thursday that it “was not consistent with our values.”
Delta backtracks, offers support to employees
Delta apologized for the “hurtful” post, saying it would continue to “strive to create an environment of inclusion and respect for all, in our communities and on our planes.”
Some users rejected the apology, saying the airline had caved to pressure from bullies and vowing to never use Delta again.
A Delta spokesperson said neither employee was fired, clearing up some online rumors that at least one of them had been.
“The flight attendants photographed were following Delta’s uniform guidelines, and we have reached out to them to offer our support,” Delta said.
And the Delta employee who wrote the reply to the post saying he was “terrified” has since “received counseling and no longer supports Delta social media.”
