DOJ Sues Elon Musk and SpaceX for Hiring Discrimination
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is suing Elon Musk and SpaceX for allegedly discriminating against asylees and refugees in hiring. The lawsuit, filed on August 24, 2023, alleges that SpaceX “routinely discouraged asylees and refugees from applying and refused to hire or consider them, because of their citizenship status, in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).”
The lawsuit says that SpaceX’s discriminatory hiring practices began in at least September 2018 and continued until May 2022. During that time, SpaceX allegedly:
- Advertised job openings that stated that only US citizens and lawful permanent residents were eligible to apply.
- Told job applicants that they were not eligible for employment because they were not US citizens or lawful permanent residents.
- Failed to fairly consider applications from asylees and refugees.
- Refused to hire qualified asylees and refugee applicants.
The lawsuit also alleges that SpaceX’s discriminatory hiring practices were motivated by a desire to avoid the costs and delays associated with obtaining security clearances for non-US citizens.
The DOJ is seeking an injunction to prevent SpaceX from continuing to discriminate in its hiring practices, as well as damages for the asylees and refugees who were harmed by SpaceX’s discrimination.
SpaceX has denied the allegations in the lawsuit, calling them “meritless.” The company said in a statement that it “has always been committed to hiring the best and brightest talent, regardless of their citizenship status.”
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges facing SpaceX. In recent months, the company has also been sued by the FAA over its launch of a giant rocket from Texas, and by a group of environmental groups over its plans to launch a new rocket from Florida.
The outcome of the DOJ’s lawsuit could have a significant impact on SpaceX’s ability to hire and retain the talent it needs to achieve its ambitious goals. The company is currently developing a new rocket and spacecraft that it hopes to use to send humans to Mars.
The lawsuit is also a test of the Biden administration’s commitment to protecting the rights of immigrants and refugees. The administration has made it a priority to crack down on discrimination against immigrants, and the lawsuit against SpaceX is a significant step in that effort.
The case is expected to go to trial in early 2024.