/sci/ - Science & Math

>>15691330
https://spacenews.com/justice-department-sues-spacex-over-hiring-practices/

> The Justice Department argues that SpaceX unlawfully denied employment to asylees and refugees based on the company’s interpretation of export control regulations that limit access to controlled items to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The suit includes several comments from SpaceX officials, including Chief Executive Elon Musk, stating that it could only hire citizens and “green card” holders in order to comply with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which governs launch vehicle and other space components. Those regulations often include severe penalties for any violations.

> However, the Justice Department noted that asylees and refugees are also considered “U.S. persons” under ITAR and other export control regulations, and can be treated like citizens and permanent residents in that they do not need authorization to handle export-controlled items. In addition, export control regulations do not include employment or hiring restrictions, the suit stated.

> “Our investigation found that SpaceX failed to fairly consider or hire asylees and refugees because of their citizenship status and imposed what amounted to a ban on their hire regardless of their qualification, in violation of federal law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division in a statement. “Our investigation also found that SpaceX recruiters and high-level officials took actions that actively discouraged asylees and refugees from seeking work opportunities at the company.”

> SpaceX has not commented on the suit, but it appears to have already changed its hiring practices. Job listings, such as one for a launch engineer, now explicitly state that applicants have to be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees or asylees.