SEATTLE — The president of Seattle Pride tells KIRO 7 that Alaska Airlines employees will be allowed to march in the upcoming Pride Parade and invites participants to wear whatever they’d like.
His statement came in after 5 p.m., following a day of debate between Seattle Pride and Alaska Airlines over rules for marchers in keeping with Pride's sponsorship commitments.
"In light of the recent press I would like to clear the air and state I misinterpreted the contractual obligations set in place for Delta Airlines and I wish to retract my statements made to the Alaska Airline Corporation with regards to participation in the 2016 Seattle Pride Parade. It was not my intention to exclude any groups or individuals, regardless of their company loyalties, employer, and group associations. While our sponsors allow us to produce a quality Pride Parade each year, I misunderstood the terms of one of these sponsorships and misrepresented that contract. I apologize for my miscommunication and any hurt feelings I caused. As always, Seattle Pride stands for inclusiveness and the celebration of all the diversity within our community. As the representatives of the Seattle Pride Board have stated, it is our goal for all members of our community to participate in the Pride Parade, and we will continue to work toward that goal. I sincerely hope GLOBE and Alaska Airlines will accept our invitation to proudly march in the parade, wearing whatever they wish, just as they have always done in the past." - Eric Bennett, President, Seattle Pride
That announcement ends confusion between the Pride organization and its former sponsor, Alaska Airlines.
Alaska Airlines has been corporate sponsor for Seattle Pride for a number of years -- except this year -- a new sponsor is in town, and it's rival Delta Airlines.
Before the Wednesday announcement, KIRO 7 News talked to Kevin Larson, an Alaska employee and VP of its LGBT employee outreach. He said they were told Alaska and its employees could march — but without company branding, logos, or banners.
So Alaska employees made a decision not to march at all.
“We were given the general rules of conduct and the limitations. That we would have specific guidelines,” he said.
Contradicting Alaska Airlines – Seattle Pride’s Director of Sponsorship Dave Hale told KIRO 7 News Wednesday morning that Alaska Airlines employees were allowed to wear their logo.
“We have never told any employee, affinity group, including Alaska that they couldn't participate in the parade,” Hale said in response when asked if participants were told they could not march and wear certain company branded clothing.
But in emails Alaska shared with KIRO 7 Wednesday afternoon — the president of the Seattle Pride organization informed the airline last month marchers couldn't wear company logos.
The story has since gained national attention.
Hale told KIRO 7 he ultimately wants the spirit of diversity and inclusion to prevail during Seattle Pride.
“I think on behalf of the board, we would be very disappointed if something like this were to discourage anyone from participating,” Hale said.
One of the parties caught in the middle of the controversy is the new sponsor, Delta Airlines.
People have attacked Delta online – blaming it for the decision. But Delta says it was not part of the decision – and did not know anything about it until a reporter called.
Cox Media Group
