Southwest Airlines kept an Arabic speaker from his flight at Midway International Airport in Chicago on Wednesday, denying him access when another passenger voiced concern and fear, according to USA Today. The Philadelphia pizza shop owner said he was humiliated when briefly stopped from boarding his flight out of Chicago.
Maher Khalil emigrated from Palestine 15 years ago and said he has never experienced discrimination before. The incident occurred when another passenger overheard him speaking Arabic.
"We came to America to have a better life," said Khalil. "Everyone in America is from different countries. I'm one of them. I'm an American citizen."
"If that person doesn't feel safe, let them take the bus," Khalil said, according to the Jerusalem Post. Khalil was shocked by the decision to not let him board the plane, so he called the police.
"I didn't know what to do, so I called the cops," Khalil added.
Southwest released a statement following the disagreement, according to the International Business Times, stating that safety was the company's number one priority.
"Safety is our primary focus, and our employees are trained to make decisions to ensure that safety, and to safeguard the security of our crews and customers on every flight," said Southwest Airlines.
I don't need my already stressful bargain-priced, open-seating flight to also be a "bigotry empowerment zone." #SouthwestAirlines
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) November 21, 2015
Can't blame @SouthwestAir for the employees actions, can blame Southwest for their response. Shameful.
— Aaron Rostad (@aaronrostad) November 21, 2015
.@SouthwestAir Truly, your company is standing on the wrong side of history today. Make it right. Make amends. And don't do it again.
— Jenny Han (@jennyhan) November 21, 2015
