American Airlines has officially grounded its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, a move that has some passengers cheering louder than a free upgrade to first class. With DEI out of the cockpit, the airline can now focus on hiring based on qualifications, not quotas.

This turn of events came about after the America First Legal Foundation filed a civil rights complaint against the airlines in regard to their contract with the U.S. government and recently announced that their race and sex-based discrimination in their hiring practices is over.

/1 🚨✈️ BREAKING: American Airlines to end illegal DEI employment practices

The U.S. Department of Labor has confirmed that American Airlines will end race and sex-based discrimination in hiring and promotions following AFL’s federal civil rights complaint. pic.twitter.com/xSJBldct8n

— America First Legal (@America1stLegal) December 17, 2024

The Democrats’ divisive DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) agenda has faced criticism for years, accused of putting identity politics ahead of qualifications. Critics argue it fosters a culture where hiring and promotions rely more on box-checking than actual skills.

Now, American Airlines has joined the growing roster of companies abandoning these practices. Though they’re likely doing so begrudgingly, the shift signals a return to what many consider common sense: hiring the best person for the job. Revolutionary concept, right?!

While proponents of DEI may lament its departure, skeptics (and airline passengers) are popping champagne. After all, when you’re cruising at 30,000 feet, you’d probably prefer the pilot to be the best in the business – not someone hired because they fit a demographic checklist.