• by Tanya Gazdik , February 18, 2025

Delta Airlines’ diversity, equity and inclusion policies are under fire after a fiery plane crash in Toronto over the weekend that injured at least 18 people.

“Although the cause of the crash has not yet been determined some took to X to blame DEI for the incident, pointing to Delta's commitment to DEI initiatives after the attacks from the White House on such policies,” according to Newsweek. “‘"Delta airlines hire based on DEI and will not hire based on merit. I will no longer fly delta,’ X user Heather Bear wrote. Delta has not said that it does not hire based on merit.”

While many companies have been retreating from their commitment to DEI initiatives, Delta reaffirmed their commitment.

"We are steadfast in our commitments because we think that they are actually critical to our business," Peter Carter, Delta's chief external affairs officer, told FOX5 Atlanta. Carter further emphasized that DEI is about talent -- a key focus of the airline -- and is integral to its long-term sustainability.

Delta said the pilots and crew were experienced and familiar with wintry conditions in Toronto, according to Reuters. 

The identity of the pilots and crew have not been reported. But that didn’t stop social media users from making stuff up. A photo purportedly of the pilot is circulating, but it's actually of adult film star Johnny Sins.

“Some of the details in the caption (as well as the clearly AI-generated image) should have been a dead giveaway that this was a joke,” according to Newsbreak. “But that didn’t stop some people from 1) falling for it and 2) disagreeing strongly with the post calling the crash-landing-pilot a hero.”

Meanwhile, Delta posted about the crash on its website and social media pages. 

“Our most pressing priority remains taking care of all customers and Endeavor crew members who were involved,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “We’ll do everything we can to support them and their families in the days ahead, and I know the hearts, thoughts and prayers of the entire Delta community are with them. We are grateful for all the first responders and medical teams who have been caring for them.”

Delta’s incident response team deployed to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) Monday evening, including specially trained Delta Care Team representatives who provide support for customers, employees and their loved ones. Members of Endeavor Air’s leadership team are also on site to provide support and ensure full cooperation with investigators.

Experts are pointing to weather, runway conditions and piloting as potential factors in the crash. 

“The crash was the fourth major aviation accident in North America in the past three weeks,” according to The Associated Press. “A commercial jetliner and an Army helicopter collided near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 29, killing 67 people. A medical transportation plane crashed in Philadelphia on Jan. 31, killing the six people on board and another person on the ground. And on Feb. 6, 10 people were killed in a plane crash in Alaska."