Tuesday 10 May 2022 02:53 PM Air Force investigating racist text message overlooking black pilot for a ... trends now
U.S. Air Force officials have opened an investigation regarding an alleged text exchange where a black senior airman was told he was not being considered for a promotion because 'the Air Force is looking for somebody of white complexion.'
The texts were posted on a U.S. Airforce news page on Facebook, which begin with a message from a white technical sergeant at the Luke Air Force Base, in Arizona, letting the black airman know he won't be considered for a job in the Unit Fitness Assessment Cell, Task and Purpose reported.
When the black airman asks for a reason, the sergeant allegedly wrote: 'We personally do not feel as if you are a good choice for the squadron. You currently have a shaving waiver which isn't a professional image, and I think the air force is looking for somebody of white complexion and with the image that the air force needs.'
Sean Clements, chief of media relations for the Luke-based 56th Fighter Wing said in a statement that officials are currently investigating the alleged texts.
'Without going into specifics of the investigation, we can categorically say that Luke Airmen are held to a high standard of conduct and that we maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding acts of discrimination based on race,' Clements said.
A screenshot of the exchange (above) allegedly shows a white technical sergeant at the Luke Air Force Base, in Arizona, letting a black senior airman know he was not being considered for a promotion because 'the Air Force is looking for somebody of white complexion'
The black airman was reportedly applying to o join the Unit Fitness Assessment Cell, which would have him conduct and oversee physical fitness tests. Pictured, service members at the Luke Air Force Base receiving instructions
A source close to the investigation told Task and Purpose that the Air Force began investigating the matter shortly after the texts were posted on Facebook last week.
The black airman was looking to join the Unit Fitness Assessment Cell, which would have him conduct and oversee
