Three Black individuals file a discrimination lawsuit against American Airlines, which subsequently reaches a settlement.
The settlement terms remained confidential, but it contained a promise from the Fort Worth-based airline to eradicate racial discrimination in the future.
Two men faced expulsion from a flight from Phoenix to JFK on January 5, following a complaint from a flight attendant about unpleasant bodor, "without any justification, solely due to their race," as stated in the initial complaint. On May 29, they filed a lawsuit in the Eastern District of New York.
An American Airlines representative issued a statement confirming that the agreement enabled all parties to proceed.
"American Airlines strives to establish a congenial and inclusive atmosphere for all passengers," the representative noted in the statement. "Although we can't disclose the specifics of the settlement, we have achieved a harmonious resolution in reference to the lawsuit instituted earlier this year."
The airline subsequently dismissed the flight attendants who instigated the passengers' ousting, as conveyed by the attorneys representing the three men.
"We are thoroughly gratified that American Airlines acknowledged our complaint and we hope that such an incident never befalls Black passengers or any other individuals from minority communities once again," affirmed the men, Alvin Jackson, Emmanuel Jean Joseph, and Xavier Veal, in a joint declaration. "Our objective in voicing our sentiments has always been to promote change. We are proud to have utilized our voices to bring about positive changes in the lives of Black Americans."
The lawsuit claimed that the complainants, in addition to five other Black male passengers, were expelled from American Flight 832 following an American Airlines official's contact with each man prior to takeoff, insisting they disembark.
American Airlines officials conveyed that a complaint regarding body odor had sparked their removal, according to the lawsuit. Not one of the complainants was informed that they personally possessed offensive body odor, "and in fact, none of the Plaintiffs had foul body odor," it reiterates.
American Airlines has faced criticism in recent years due to numerous allegations of racial discrimination on flights.
In October 2017, the NAACP imposed a travel advisory on the airline following reports of discrimination against Black passengers. The warning was lifted nine months later after the airline demonstrated progress addressing the organization's concerns.
In June, the NAACP urged American Airlines to instigate change following the news of the lawsuit. Later, the airline announced its intention to implement new measures, including the formation of an advisory committee.
"Corporations hold a pressing responsibility to guarantee that customers are not discriminated against based on race," said Michael Kirkpatrick, an attorney at Public Citizen Litigation Group, who represented the complainants, in the statement. "We commend American Airlines for giving the incident the attention it warranted and its pledge to rectify its course."
After facing criticism for racial discrimination on flights, American Airlines announced their intention to form an advisory committee to address the issue. With the new commitment, attorney Michael Kirkpatrick commended the airline for acknowledging and addressing the discrimination allegations.
Following the lawsuit, American Airlines also made headlines for pledging to eradicate racial discrimination, much like how they promised to eliminate it in the future settlement terms concerning the expulsion of three passengers.
