‘ANTIQUATED’

Alaska Airlines’ Uniform Policy Discriminates Against Nonbinary Flight Attendants, ACLU Says

One flight attendant said the uniform policy often leads to them being misgendered at work.

The American Civil Liberties Union is urging Alaska Airlines to change its uniform policy after a Seattle-based nonbinary flight attendant and flight attendant instructor said the dress code often leads to workers being misgendered. The uniform policy apparently requires flight attendants to adhere to either a “male” or a “female” set of dress and grooming standards. In a letter sent out to the airline company Friday, the ACLU claimed that the policy breaks a Washington state law meant to protect people from discrimination over gender identity, and are urging the company to change its dress code.

“When I work as a flight attendant, I am forced into one of two standards, often for up to four days at a time,” flight attendant Justin Wetherell said. “I am willing to follow all of the elements of the uniform policy for professional attire, as I do when I work as an instructor, but I don’t want to be forced into a binary uniform that excludes me and leads to me being misgendered at work.” “[Alaska Airlines] professes to create a welcoming environment for all employees. It’s time to change this antiquated uniform policy, both in order to make good on this commitment and to end the discrimination I face along with many other employees,” they added.