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The pilot was allegedly part of the Facebook group of adults who threatened to harm a trans girl for using the women's bathroom at school.Â
Since a group of parents declared it was "hunting season" on transgender people in response to news that a 12-year-old trans girl used the women's bathroom at her school in Achille, Okla., the school shuttered its doors over the violent threats and her supporters held a silent demonstration. Now Frontier Airlines has suspended a pilot who allegedly threatened the young girl known only as Maddie, according to Oklahoma TV station KOCO.
The pilot was accused, along with several other adults, of threatening to do harm to Maddie simply for using the women's restroom once when she couldn't access the faculty bathroom, as she was told to do.
While the airline would not name the pilot involved with the incident, it released a statement confirming the pilot was suspended August 13 and condemning his actions.
"Frontier Airlines prides itself on setting an example as a respectful workplace and we do not condone discrimination. We have long-established standards of conduct, to which all employees must agree to adhere, that among other things require people to act in a professional manner and to treat each other with genuine respect and kindness," Frontier Airlines said in a statement.
The vitriol from parents of students at the Achille school Maddie attended was ongoing. But a local parent by the name of Jamie Crenshaw really kickstarted the essential online hate group by accusing Maddie of "looking over the stalls in the girls' bathroom," an assertion that prompted other parents to refer to the child as a "thing," "it," and "maggot."
One parent wrote on Facebook, "If he wants to be a female make him a female. A good sharp knife will do the job really quick."
"Just tell the kids to kick ass in the bathroom and it won't want to come back," wrote another member. Another declared "hunting season" on transgender students.
Maddie's family has since filed a restraining order against the Facebook group.
Regarding what will happen to the suspended pilot, Frontier Airlines said there is a process in place to investigate.
"The process/investigation must now follow what is set out in the collective bargaining agreement with our pilots," the airline said. "Out of respect for the process, I hope you understand that we are unable to say more at this time."
