Delta Air Lines Implementing New Anti-Discrimination Protocols, Strategies

Image: Delta Boeing 767-332ER taxiing towards the airport runway. (Photo via CaronB/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)
Image: Delta Boeing 767-332ER taxiing towards the airport runway. (Photo via CaronB/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:06 PM ET, Thu August 13, 2020

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian recently sent a memo to employees about the steps the carrier is taking to become an anti-discrimination organization.

Through a series of virtual town halls on racial justice, updated equal opportunity and social media guidelines, a new library of anti-racism resources and more, Delta has been taking steps toward becoming an anti-racist, anti-discrimination company.

As a result, Delta has started implementing short- and long-term goals to promote equality, including doubling the percentage of black officers and directors by 2025, building stronger team diversity into leadership performance reviews, increasing black representation on our Board of Directors and more.

"It is my personal responsibility to leverage my influence and privilege as your CEO to be your strongest advocate for equity and justice," Bastian said. "I'll be holding each leader accountable for their own performance. And all Delta people are expected to live our shared values, outlined in the Rules of the Road, on and off the clock."

The airline is also reimagining its talent strategy to require all hiring slates and interview panels to reflect diversity, remove qualification barriers for roles that do not require college degrees and expand recruiting efforts to include more historically black colleges and more.

In addition, Delta is looking to create more opportunities for underrepresented groups by establishing new partnerships with organizations driving systemic change, continuing advocacy efforts for education and revamping the airline's inclusion-training strategy.

Last month, Delta brought awareness to World Day Against Trafficking in Persons by educating passengers on sexual exploitation, forced labor and modern slavery. The carrier has shown an unwavering commitment to fighting sexual misconduct, combating exploitation and making it clear these actions are unwelcome on the airline's planes and in the communities it serves.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Let's Sell Luxury TogetherMonday, September 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Luxury travel continues to evolve, creating exciting new opportunities for advisors to elevate their...
Upcoming Webinar
Greenland Uncovered: Selling the Arctic's Best-Kept Secret with HXTuesday, September 15, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Towering icebergs, colourful Inuit communities, the Midnight Sun, and a UNESCO-listed icefjord —...
Upcoming Webinar
The Next Generation Of Carnival FunWednesday, September 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Get ready for an exciting webinar with Janet Wygert, Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Sales and...
Upcoming Webinar
Let's Sell Luxury TogetherMonday, September 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Luxury travel continues to evolve, creating exciting new opportunities for advisors to elevate their...
Upcoming Webinar
Greenland Uncovered: Selling the Arctic's Best-Kept Secret with HXTuesday, September 15, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Towering icebergs, colourful Inuit communities, the Midnight Sun, and a UNESCO-listed icefjord —...
Upcoming Webinar
The Next Generation Of Carnival FunWednesday, September 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Get ready for an exciting webinar with Janet Wygert, Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Sales and...