DEI Activist Helped Minority Candidates Cheat On Crucial Aviation Exam

A shocking revelation has emerged involving Shelton Snow, a prominent diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activist and leader of the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NBCFAE), who allegedly offered air traffic controller candidates advance access to answers for a critical FAA exam. This revelation raises questions about integrity, hiring practices, and the risks of prioritizing diversity above public safety, especially in the high-stakes environment of air traffic control.

The audio, obtained by DailyMail.com, features Snow, an air traffic operations supervisor based in New York, promising minority candidates—specifically African Americans, women, and other “marginalized” groups—inside information that could help them pass a notoriously difficult FAA entry exam. In the voicemail, Snow claims that he has access to screenshots containing the correct answers, saying he is “99.99 percent sure” they are the exact responses needed to succeed. He goes on to express his intention to send this information directly to the candidates, suggesting that it would maximize their opportunities.

This offer appears to have been made during a pivotal moment in 2014 when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was undergoing a significant shift in its hiring practices. The Obama administration had pushed for policies to increase diversity in federal agencies, including the FAA. However, critics argue that these efforts—particularly the adoption of a “biographical assessment” in place of a traditional cognitive exam—opened the door for questionable practices. The new exam was less rigorous and more subjective, with a higher pass rate for minority candidates.

The modified exam, which included questions like “How would you describe your ideal job?” and “Would your classmates remember you as humble or dominant?” was intended to level the playing field for candidates from diverse backgrounds but was widely criticized for being a poor indicator of the skills required for the job. 

The situation became even more problematic when Snow’s voicemail surfaced, revealing an apparent effort to secure an unfair advantage for certain applicants based on their minority status.

Air traffic controllers are responsible for the safety of millions of people who rely on their expertise to prevent accidents and ensure the smooth operation of the nation’s air traffic system. If candidates were able to secure these vital positions through fraudulent means, the implications for aviation safety are troubling.

The controversy surrounding Snow’s actions comes amid growing scrutiny of DEI initiatives within federal agencies. President Donald Trump, in the wake of a deadly midair collision at Reagan National Airport in January 2025, vowed to purge DEI policies from the federal government, including within the FAA. Critics have linked the push for diversity in hiring to a series of recent aviation incidents, arguing that focusing on race and gender over merit may be compromising safety.

Matthew Douglas, a former member of NBCFAE who was offered Snow’s help but chose not to take it, expressed his disillusionment with the process. Douglas, a Native American, failed the test twice and turned down Snow’s offer. “I could have done what a bunch of other people did,” he said, but added, “I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night.” Douglas’ refusal to cheat stands in stark contrast to those who allegedly took advantage of Snow’s offer and may now be working as air traffic controllers without having passed the exam through legitimate means.

“I don’t know if the FAA vetted these people thoroughly and properly but I do know that they were given the opportunity that other kids deserved.”

Following the scandal, the FAA has faced increasing pressure to reassess its approach to hiring, ensuring that candidates are selected based on their qualifications and ability to perform the job—rather than meeting quotas or political agendas.

For now, Shelton Snow’s future at the FAA remains uncertain, though he continues to serve in leadership roles within NBCFAE.