Southwest Faces Allegations of Racial Discrimination
A U.S. judge ruled on Friday that Southwest Airlines must defend itself against a lawsuit filed by Edward Blum, a prominent opponent of affirmative action. Blum’s organization, the American Alliance for Equal Rights, accused the airline of racial discrimination through its now-discontinued “¡Lánzate!” program. This initiative, active since 2004, awarded free flights to Hispanic college students who lived more than 200 miles from their schools.
Blum’s group claims that the program discriminated against two students, one white and the other Asian. In response to the lawsuit, Southwest terminated the program and offered Blum’s group one cent, matching the damages sought. However, the judge dismissed the argument that the offer and program termination rendered the lawsuit moot.
Court Rejects Southwest’s Mootness Argument
U.S. District Judge Sidney Fitzwater rejected Southwest’s claim that offering all requested relief negated the need for further litigation. Fitzwater’s decision enables Blum’s organization to proceed with allegations that the airline violated a Civil War-era law prohibiting racial bias in contracting.
Blum hailed the ruling as a step toward limiting case-mooting tactics in discrimination lawsuits. “This decision is a powerful tool to prevent discriminators nationwide from escaping accountability,” Blum stated.
Potential Impact on Diversity Programs Nationwide
This case marks one of several legal challenges Blum has pursued against corporate diversity initiatives. Previously, his organization successfully argued before the U.S. Supreme Court to end race-based considerations in college admissions. Legal analysts expect Southwest’s case to influence future lawsuits targeting diversity and inclusion programs.
Southwest, headquartered in Dallas, has yet to comment on the ruling. Observers anticipate the case may reach the U.S. Supreme Court, continuing a trend of increasing scrutiny over corporate and institutional diversity policies.
