Billionaires Mark Cuban and Elon Musk clashed on X over the course of diversity, equity and inclusion, especially in the airline industry.
On Monday, Mr. Musk critiqued Mr. Cuban’s pro-DEI comments in a post, saying “the airline industry can’t find enough qualified pilots even without insane DEI requirements.”
Mr. Cuban shot back an hour later, claiming DEI doesn’t remove merit-based hiring practices while adding a link to United Airlines’ website.
“Once they graduate it’s a multiyear process to have an OPPORTUNITY to pilot for United,” he wrote on X. “Since I’m a nice guy and want you to be fully informed, I’ll share with you the benefit of the 60 seconds I spent looking for how the program works. BTW, looks like multiple layers of merit-based evaluations before they can fly for United.”
While other users critical of DEI initiatives tried to debunk Mr. Cuban’s data in the replies, Mr. Musk apparently had no interest, replying only with “You are a liar.”
Opponents of DEI claim its programs are racist and often deliver substandard results.
Some employers say they need diverse workforces to maintain an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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