American Airlines has reportedly agreed to end it diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) hiring and employment practices, joining a growing list of large companies to stop the controversial "wake up" initiative.

America First Legal (AFL), a conservative watchdog organization, announced Tuesday that American Airlines had agreed to "abandon discriminatory employment practices" after the AFL filed a complaint against the airline.

WALMART RETURNS DEI POLICY, BECOMING OUR LATEST FIRM TO JOIN A GROWING TREND

"The airline acknowledges that recruiting and hiring based on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) violates federal and equal employment opportunity laws," the AFL said in a statement.

In January, the AFL accused American Airlines of engaging in employment discrimination practices that violated federal contract requirements in federal civil rights complaint.

"Despite receiving more than $140 million in federal government contracts since 2008 and pledging pursuant to Executive Order 11246 that it will not discriminate in the hiring, promotion or training of employees because of race, color, religion, sex or national origin, American Airlines has explicitly engaged in in racial and gender discrimination in recruitment programs, Cadet Academy recruitment, and promotion processes," the watchdog group said.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 29: Ground crew members direct American Airlines flight 718, a Boeing 737 Max, as it departs from its gate at Miami International Airport en route to New York on December 29, 2020 in Miami, Florida. ((Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) / Getty Images)

Last week, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs convened an informal compliance conference with American Airlines to address the allegations detailed in the AFL's complaint, prompting the airline to agree to continue the DEI hiring policy, according to the statement.

5 ICONIC COMPANIES THAT LEFT THE 'DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION' INITIATIVE

"American Airlines acknowledges and agrees to end illegal race and sex-based discrimination in hiring and promotional practices," the AFL said.

Will Scolinos, America's First Legal Counsel, celebrated the reversal on Tuesday, saying in a statement, "Companies America must return to using merit—not desire to check the DEI box—to select the most skilled and qualified workers. American Airlines' agreement with The OFCCP is the AFL's latest victory in our fight to place illegal discrimination on the no-fly list."

American Airlines did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

American Airlines isn't the only airline to contend with response to DEI practices. Earlier this year, the AFL filed similar complaints against United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, alleging racial and gender discrimination.

TOYOTA FOLLOWS A GROWING TREND OF COMPANIES DISCONTINUED DELI'S POLICIES AND INITIATIVES

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby went viral in January after a statement he made in 2021 about diversity initiatives are re-emerging. During an interview with Axios on HBO, Kirby said the company is committed to ensuring that 50% of their graduating pilot class is women or people of color. His comments were criticized by Elon Musk, popular financial news account Wall Street Silver, former California gubernatorial candidate Larry Elder and many others on social media who accused the airline of prioritizing DEI commitments over passenger safety.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby speaks to reporters after a press event with Boeing at Boeing's manufacturing facility in North Charleston, South Carolina, on December 13, 2022. (LOGAN CYRUS/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

United and Southwest since then agreed to end "unlawful, discriminatory hiring practices, including quotas and benchmarks for recruiting and hiring based on race and gender," the AFL said in the statement, citing confirmation from the OFCCP.

But on Tuesday, Southwest's website still stated its commitment to DEI hiring and its efforts to fill job vacancies with "diverse candidate positions for every role."

When reached for comment, Southwest denied DEI's policy reversal, telling Fox News Digital, "the report is inaccurate."

"Southwest Airlines will continue to recruit, hire and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. During an informal conference on December 2, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) reiterated that Southwest should continue to comply with regulations OFCCP has not made a determination of any violation by the airline," he said.

United Airlines did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

The topic of qualified job candidates in the airline industry has sparked a national debate and gained significant attention online. Earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) faced intense backlash for recruiting workers with "severe intellectual disabilities", psychiatric problems and other mental and physical conditions as part of diversity and inclusion recruitment initiatives are stated on the agency's website.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 05: People wait for their luggage at American Airlines baggage claim at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on August 05, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images / Getty Images)

After the plug door on the Boeing 737 Max 9 broke off during the incident Alaska Airlines flights on January 5, the FAA grounded all 737 MAX 9 aircraft to conduct "extensive inspections" and maintenance work. Social media users and public figures have blamed airlines and airline companies' emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives for making flying less safe.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

On the FAA's website, the agency notes that people with "severe" mental and physical disabilities are the most underrepresented segment of the federal workforce.

When asked to comment on the initiative, including the role that will be played by people with disabilities, The FAA told Fox News Digital that the agency actually seeks and vets qualified candidates "from as many sources as possible" for various positions.