The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken legal action against SpaceX, accusing the company of engaging in discriminatory hiring practices targeting refugees and asylum seekers. The lawsuit alleges that these practices occurred over a period of four years, from 2018 to 2022. The DOJ contends that SpaceX wrongly claimed that export control laws restricted it to hiring only US citizens and lawful permanent residents.
The investigation into these allegations began in 2020, prompted by complaints of employee discrimination received by the DOJ’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section. Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, stated that the investigation uncovered evidence that SpaceX had failed to give due consideration to asylees and refugees due to their citizenship status. This behavior, regardless of their qualifications, constitutes a violation of federal law, according to Clarke.
The investigation also revealed that SpaceX recruiters and senior officials took steps to discourage refugees and asylum seekers from pursuing employment with the company, further exacerbating the alleged discriminatory practices.
The lawsuit, filed by the DOJ, seeks remedies for those affected by these practices. It aims to secure damages, back pay, and other forms of compensation for “asylees and refugees who were deterred or denied employment at SpaceX.” Additionally, the DOJ is pursuing civil penalties against the company and demanding changes to its hiring policies to prevent future discriminatory actions.
Notably, the Immigrant and Employee Rights Section claims that SpaceX disregarded a subpoena related to the lawsuit in 2021, necessitating a court order to ensure compliance with document requests.
The lawsuit originated from a claim by Fabian Hutter, who alleged discrimination during a job interview at SpaceX when questioned about his citizenship status. The Immigrant and Employee Rights Section has called on other potential victims who experienced similar discriminatory treatment to come forward and share their experiences.
This legal challenge is not unique in Elon Musk’s business endeavors. Musk’s other company, Tesla, has faced its own share of legal troubles regarding hiring practices and employee treatment. Musk himself has been subject to penalties for making unlawful threats related to employee compensation and unions. Furthermore, Tesla has been embroiled in lawsuits over allegations of firing workers in retaliation for union activities and claims of fostering a racist work environment.
As the DOJ’s lawsuit against SpaceX unfolds, it underscores the growing scrutiny faced by companies over their employment practices and their accountability for maintaining fair and inclusive workplaces.
