Frontier Airlines announced it has suspended one of the carrier’s pilots after reportedly threatening to harm a 12-year-old transgender girl on Facebook.
According to The Associated Press, the unidentified pilot was suspended August 13 while the airline launched an investigation into claims that the employee allegedly posted threats against the student in Achille, Oklahoma.
Frontier spokesman Jonathan Freed said the airline would not release the pilot’s name or any further details until the investigation is completed.
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A series of threats by adults made toward the 12-year-old girl last week forced the Achille Public Schools to close for two days, while the girl’s mother had to file a protective order after being physically confronted.
Frontier released a full statement, via KOCO.com:
Frontier Airlines prides itself on setting an example as a respectful workplace and we do not condone discrimination. We have long-established standards of conduct, to which all employees must agree to adhere, that among other things require people to act in a professional manner and to treat each other with genuine respect and kindness. This individual was suspended on Aug. 13, after Frontier learned of the situation, pending an investigation.
I can confirm the person is one of our pilots. I believe there has been some conversation about him being a “bus driver” perhaps because of how he described himself in an online profile — but I’m not certain of where it came from. Sometimes, pilots refer to themselves as “bus drivers.” It’s a slang term in the industry.
We learned of the situation the afternoon of Sunday, Aug. 12 and took action on Monday as our statement above indicates.
The process/investigation must now follow what is set out in the collective bargaining agreement with our pilots. Out of respect for the process, I hope you understand that we are unable to say more at this time.
