Government Accountability Office report details path for TSA to eliminate potential discrimination in airport screenings

Airport screenings have long been a source of consternation for many and rife with accusations of discrimination in their handling – but a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report laid out a path for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to take to reduce the potential for such discrimination.

“Communities in Michigan – including our Arab and Muslim American communities – continue to face lengthy and intrusive screening when traveling. This report shows that while TSA is making progress, they must step up their efforts to prevent potential discriminatory screening practices that can affect families, businesses, and even people’s ability to enjoy their family vacations,” U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) said.

That report, released this week, was requested by Peters, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Originally, he requested the report in 2020 after reports of persistent and possibly discriminatory screening practices pressured members of the Arab American and Muslim American communities – frequent victims of the practice during travel.

The GAO report noted that the TSA has already taken steps to address discrimination in its processes. However, it concluded that much room remains for the federal agency to improve its data collection, particularly to track incidents of potential discrimination during secondary travel screenings – something the agency added is often unnecessary. It also called for improved information on how to file related complaints and a better system overall for tracking, monitoring, and addressing discrimination complaints from travelers.

“The recommendations provided by this report will help me continue to hold TSA accountable and support their efforts to secure our transportation system while upholding the civil rights and liberties of all travelers,” Peters said.

Earlier this year, the senator raised some of the concerns echoed in this report with TSA Administrator David Pekoske to discuss challenges certain communities face during the travel screening process. He also hosted a meeting between Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandra Mayorkas and leaders from Michigan’s Arab and Muslim American communities in Detroit to discuss travel screening, among other civil rights issues.