Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced an investigation into allegations of cheating within the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) hiring process. The probe responds to reports that, in 2014, a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) advocate allegedly provided minority air traffic controller candidates with advance access to test answers.
The allegations involve Shelton Snow, a member of the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees and an air traffic operations supervisor based in New York. In a 2014 voicemail, Snow purportedly offered to email screenshots containing the correct answers to a make-or-break entry exam, stating he was “about 99.99 percent sure that it is exactly how you need to answer each question.”
Reports indicate that this information was shared with African Americans, females, and other minority candidates, excluding white applicants to “minimize competition.” A former employee claimed to know several individuals who cheated and are currently working as air traffic controllers.
In response, Secretary Duffy emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “We need the best and brightest, not buzzword, DEI hires.”
This investigation aligns with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to eliminate DEI initiatives within federal agencies. On his first day in office, President Trump issued executive orders targeting DEI programs, reflecting a commitment to prioritize merit-based hiring practices.
The FAA has faced scrutiny over its hiring practices in the past. In 2014, under the Obama administration, the FAA replaced its merit-based selection process with a Biographical Questionnaire aimed at increasing diversity among air traffic controllers. Critics argue this shift led to the exclusion of qualified candidates and compromised aviation safety. A class-action lawsuit filed in 2015 on behalf of nearly 1,000 candidates challenged these practices.
The current investigation seeks to determine the extent of the alleged cheating and its impact on the FAA’s operations. The Department of Transportation has not yet provided a timeline for the investigation’s completion or specified potential consequences for those found responsible.
