Paxton ordered Spirit AeroSystems to turn over documents related to manufacturing defects that led to the grounding of dozens of Boeing planes — as well as documentation concerning the company’s decision to fire whistleblower Joshua Dean after he reported them.
But part of Paxton’s request for information also implied that the company’s DEI policy may be linked to a recent string of dangerous mishaps.
“While we do not comment on investigations, Spirit is wholly focused on providing the highest quality products to all our customers, to include the Boeing Company,” Spirit spokesman Joe Buccino told The Hill.
Paxton’s order comes amid a broader push by conservative policymakers and thought leaders that blames diversity initiatives for a wide range of failures in American corporate life.
In his order, Paxton demanded the company substantiate its claim that “‘a diverse workplace improves product quality’ … ‘enhance[s] performance’ and/or ‘helps [Spirit] … make better decisions.’”
He also told the company to explain how employee demographics “for race, national origin, sexual orientation, and age” had changed since the adoption of a 2022 DEI policy.
Four of Paxton’s 14 demands for information from Spirit concern company diversity and hiring programs.
The Hill’s Saul Elbein has more here.
