A man almost died because Delta Air Lines refused to believe a black woman could be a doctor.
Dr. Tamika Cross answered an on-board call for help when someone on her flight fell dangerously ill. She was ready to spring into action, but the flight attendant told her “oh no sweetie put your hand down, we are looking for actual physicians or nurses or some type of medical personnel -- we don’t have time to talk to you.”
Dr. Tamika Cross answered an on-board call for help when someone on her flight fell dangerously ill. She was ready to spring into action, but the flight attendant told her “oh no sweetie put your hand down, we are looking for actual physicians or nurses or some type of medical personnel -- we don’t have time to talk to you.”
Delta staff then grilled Dr. Cross about her credentials and background, refusing to believe she could be a doctor. All the while another passenger became unresponsive. When a white man volunteered, they dismissed Dr. Cross -- “Thanks for your help but he can help us.”
Delta has been under fire on social media since the story broke and it’s crucial we keep the pressure sky-high to make sure this never happens again.Big airline companies like Delta must train staff better. Racism like this is unacceptable, sign our petition now demanding big airlines provide bias training to all staff.
Delta, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines: don’t accept racism, give your staff unconscious bias training.
This isn’t one isolated case. More and more horror stories are being exposed all the time about racial profiling on big airlines. People on Delta, American Airlines and Southwest airlines flights have been accused of making staff feel “uneasy” or forced to leave for doing nothing more than switching seats, speaking Arabic, texting or asking questions.
Racism, fear and prejudice are spreading. At a time when hate-fuelled political ideas are spread far and wide by politicians like Donald Trump in the US, and Nigel Farage in the UK, big multinationals have a responsibility to get a grip on their corporate culture.
SumOfUs stands against racism, and campaigns for corporations to do their bit to stem the tide. People like Dr. Cross on flights are being humiliated and denigrated all the time. Big airline companies could go a long way to sorting it out simply by providing proper, comprehensive bias training to staff.
Racism has to stop. Delta, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines have to introduce proper bias training for staff.
More information
I didn't realize how often Muslims get kicked off planes, until it happened to me
The Guardian. 8 September 2016.
The Guardian. 8 September 2016.
Delta accused of 'blatant discrimination' by black doctor after incident on flight
The Guardian. 13 October 2016.
The Guardian. 13 October 2016.