Anti-Affirmative Action Group Sues Southwest Airlines Over Alleged Racial Discrimination

A lawsuit has been filed against Southwest Airlines, accusing the airline of implementing a racially discriminatory program. The American Alliance for Equal Rights, founded by prominent activist Edward Blum, alleges that a program offering free round-trip flights to Hispanic undergraduate and graduate students is in violation of federal civil rights laws as it excludes non-Hispanic students.

Exclusion of Non-Hispanic Students

The lawsuit claims that the program, known as the ¡Lánzate! Travel Award Program, has barred two Asian and white students from applying, leading to the allegation that the program violates Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866. This act prohibits racial bias in contracting and could potentially result in an injunction against Southwest's eligibility criteria.

Edward Blum, speaking on behalf of the American Alliance for Equal Rights, stated, "Southwest Airlines should immediately open this program to all students, regardless of their skin color or ethnic heritage." GFSSouthwest Airlines, based in Dallas, has yet to respond to the allegations made in the lawsuit.

Program Details and Legal Basis

The lawsuit centers on the eligibility criteria for the ¡Lánzate! Travel Award Program, which was launched in 2004. It requires that an undergraduate or graduate student be Hispanic and live at least 200 miles (322 km) from their home to be eligible for four round-trip tickets. The lawsuit alleges that the program not only violates the Civil Rights Act of 1866 but also Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in federally funded programs or activities.

Southwest Airlines, due to the federal funding it received during the COVID-19 pandemic, has come under scrutiny for potential violations of the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This has led to the airline being subject to legal action under this statute.

This lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges brought by Edward Blum, who has been actively pursuing cases against corporate diversity programs. Notably, a group founded by him successfully influenced the U.S. Supreme Court to prohibit the consideration of race in college admissions.