The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against SpaceX, the rocket company founded by Elon Musk, for alleged hiring discrimination against refugees and individuals granted asylum. The complaint, filed in an administrative court within the department, claims that SpaceX falsely stated that federal export control laws prohibited the company from hiring anyone other than U.S. citizens and permanent residents. This purportedly discouraged refugees and asylum grantees from applying for positions at the company.
Export controls are typically implemented to safeguard U.S. national security and advance national trade objectives. They restrict the shipment of specific technologies, weapons, information, and software to certain non-U.S. nations, as well as limit the sharing or release of such items and information to “U.S. persons.” The Justice Department emphasized that this term encompasses not only U.S. citizens but also permanent U.S. residents, refugees, and those granted asylum.
The department alleges that SpaceX not only failed to fairly consider applications from this group of individuals but also refused to hire them. The positions in question ranged from those requiring advanced degrees to roles such as welders, cooks, and crane operators within the company.
In response to the alleged discrimination, the U.S. government is seeking “fair consideration and back pay” for individuals who were deterred from or denied employment at SpaceX, as well as unspecified civil penalties.
SpaceX, headquartered in Hawthorne, California, has not yet responded to the request for comment.
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What specific laws did SpaceX falsely cite as a reason to only hire U.S. citizens and permanent residents?
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against SpaceX, the rocket company founded by Elon Musk, alleging hiring discrimination against refugees and individuals granted asylum. The lawsuit claims that SpaceX falsely cited federal export control laws as a reason to only hire U.S. citizens and permanent residents, discouraging refugees and asylum grantees from applying.
Export controls are put in place to protect national security and promote national trade interests. They impose restrictions on the shipment of specific technologies, weapons, information, and software to certain non-U.S. nations, as well as limit sharing or release of such items to “U.S. persons.” This term includes U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees, and those granted asylum.
The Department of Justice asserts that SpaceX not only failed to give fair consideration to applications from this group, but also refused to hire them. The discriminatory practices were alleged to have occurred across a range of positions within the company, from those requiring advanced degrees to roles like welders, cooks, and crane operators.
To address the alleged discrimination, the U.S. government is seeking compensation for individuals who were deterred from or denied employment at SpaceX, as well as civil penalties.
SpaceX, headquartered in Hawthorne, California, has not yet provided a response to the request for comment.
This seems like a serious allegation against SpaceX. Looking forward to seeing how this lawsuit unfolds.
I would have never expected such allegations against SpaceX. Let’s wait for the facts to come out before forming any opinions.