Delta’s hastily issued change to its uniform pin policy went into effect on Monday.
The U.S. flag is now the only pin representing a country or a nationality that Delta employees can wear on their uniforms.
“Throughout the world, nationality/country flags are increasingly leading to confusion about whether they represent advocacy for or against positions or causes,” the airline explained in a missive to employees late last week. “This decision is intended to provide increased clarity in support our people, while we immediately undertake a full review of our pin policy in alignment with our premium brand.”
The policy change followed a social media dust-up that occurred last week on the platform X after two Delta flight attendants wore Palestinian flag pins on their uniforms.
In a July 10 post, a Delta flyer posted a photo of the two attendants and referred to the pins as “Hamas badges.”
Delta’s official X account responded with sympathy toward the passenger.
“I hear you, as I’d be terrified as well, personally,” read the post, which has since been taken down.
The response led the steering committee that is attempting to unionize Delta flight attendants to demand a public apology. The committee also demanded a policy prohibiting nonconsensual photos of crew members.
“It is deeply troubling to publicly witness Delta seemingly affirm bigoted and inflammatory comments,” the steering committee wrote in a letter to CEO Ed Bastian. “Targeting any individuals on the basis of their nationality violates antidiscrimination laws, is antithetical to Delta’s stated commitment to inclusivity and respect, and encourages a hostile work environment.”
Delta hasn’t issued an apology, but the carrier said it has transferred the employee who wrote the response on X. The employee is no longer working on the airline’s social media accounts, Delta said.
The employee’s comment, said Delta, “was not in line with our values and our mission to connect the world.”
Delta also said that the Palestinian pins were compliant with its previous uniform pin policy and that the company has contacted the two flight attendants to express its support.
Still, the airline noted its pin policy before Monday already prohibited advocacy for a position or cause other than Delta-sponsored initiatives.
“We are taking this step to help ensure a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for all,” Delta said of the policy change.