The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has initiated legal action against Elon Musk’s SpaceX, claiming that the aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company has been engaged in discriminatory hiring practices against refugees and asylum seekers. The lawsuit alleges that SpaceX falsely asserted that it was prohibited from hiring non-US citizens, thereby excluding potential candidates based on their citizenship status.
The investigation into SpaceX’s hiring practices was launched following claims of discrimination by a foreign worker. The DoJ asserts that SpaceX failed to provide fair consideration and opportunities to asylees and refugees due to their citizenship status. This action is alleged to have violated federal law.
Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, stated, “Our investigation found that SpaceX failed to fairly consider or hire asylees and refugees because of their citizenship status and imposed what amounted to a ban on their hire regardless of their qualification, in violation of federal law.” Clarke also highlighted that the investigation uncovered evidence indicating that SpaceX recruiters and senior officials took steps that discouraged asylees and refugees from pursuing employment with the company.
As this legal battle unfolds, the spotlight is on SpaceX’s hiring policies, the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, and the broader issue of fair employment practices within the tech and aerospace sectors. SpaceX has not yet provided a response to these allegations.
Source : REUTERS