Fact check: Did the FAA have a goal to hire more people of color and what was that goal

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, the FAA did have diversity goals, but the specific details and scope of these initiatives are more complex than a simple "goal to hire more people of color." The evidence shows that the FAA had diversity goals under both the Obama and Biden administrations, aiming to increase the hiring of minorities and people with disabilities ^[1]. However, the analyses reveal that the text does not provide a specific numerical goal for the FAA regarding people of color ^[1].

The clearest documented goal comes from the disability inclusion efforts, where the FAA, under the Biden administration, sought to recruit and hire individuals with disabilities ^[2]. This initiative was part of a broader federal effort, as the federal government reached its goal of having people with targeted disabilities make up 2% of its workforce in fiscal 2021 ^[2]. Importantly, the FAA's diversity efforts, including recruiting people with disabilities, have been in place since at least 2013 and were not started under the Biden administration ^[2].

The analyses also reveal that President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum terminating the Biden Administration's FAA hiring policy that prioritized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) over safety and efficiency ^[3], indicating that such policies did exist under the previous administration.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question focuses specifically on the FAA's goals for hiring people of color, but the analyses reveal several important contextual elements that broaden the scope of diversity initiatives. The Trump administration has made efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across the federal government, including the FAA ^[4], suggesting this is part of a larger policy shift affecting multiple agencies.

The analyses also highlight that diversity initiatives in aviation extend beyond just the FAA. United Airlines has a goal to train 5,000 new pilots by 2030, with at least half being women or people of color ^{[5] [6]}, and other airlines have initiatives to increase diversity among pilots ^[6]. This indicates that diversity efforts in aviation are industry-wide, not limited to government agencies.

Another crucial missing context is the timeline and continuity of these programs. The evidence shows that FAA diversity efforts have been ongoing since at least 2013, contradicting narratives that frame these as recent Biden administration initiatives ^[2]. This historical perspective is essential for understanding the true scope and duration of these policies.

The analyses also reveal political controversy surrounding these initiatives, with Trump targeting FAA diversity efforts in relation to a plane crash probe despite no evidence they played any role ^[7]. This suggests that discussions about FAA diversity goals have become politically charged and may be influenced by unrelated events.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

While the original question appears neutral on its surface, the analyses reveal several areas where misinformation or bias could influence public understanding of this topic. There is no evidence to support claims that diversity practices contributed to recent aviation incidents ^[7], yet these programs have become targets of criticism in the wake of aviation accidents.

The framing of diversity initiatives as potentially compromising safety represents a significant bias, as there is no evidence that the FAA's diversity hiring practices were related to any recent plane crash ^[5]. The analyses show that Trump's criticism of the FAA's diversity hiring practices lacks evidence to support claims that these practices contributed to aviation incidents ^[7].

Additionally, there appears to be misinformation about when these programs began. The characterization of diversity initiatives as Biden administration policies ignores the fact that these efforts have been in place since at least 2013 ^[2], spanning multiple administrations and political parties.

The original question's focus solely on "people of color" also potentially misrepresents the broader scope of FAA diversity initiatives, which included recruiting people with disabilities ^{[2] [5]} and other underrepresented groups. This narrow framing could contribute to incomplete public understanding of the actual policies and their objectives.