MEMPHIS: February 26, 2018. FedEx Corporation has responded to comments relating to its apparent support for the National Rifle Association (NRA) following the killing of 17 students and staff at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on February 14.
Last week Delta Air Lines and United Airlines were among several corporations that announced they would be ending NRA discounted rates for services.
In a statement FedEx said its position on the issues of gun policy and safety differ from those of the NRA:
"FedEx opposes assault rifles being in the hands of civilians. While we strongly support the constitutional right of U.S. citizens to own firearms subject to appropriate background checks, FedEx views assault rifles and large capacity magazines as an inherent potential danger to schools, workplaces, and communities when such weapons are misused.
"We therefore support restricting them to the military. Most important, FedEx believes urgent action is required at the local, state, and Federal level to protect schools and students from incidents such as the horrific tragedy in Florida on February 14.
"FedEx is a common carrier under Federal law and therefore does not and will not deny service or discriminate against any legal entity regardless of their policy positions or political views.
"The NRA is one of hundreds of organizations in our alliances/association Marketing program whose members receive discounted rates for FedEx shipping. FedEx has never set or changed rates for any of our millions of customers around the world in response to their politics, beliefs or positions on issues."
On February 24 Delta announced the airline would end its contract for discounted fares for travel to the NRA's 2018 annual meeting and requested the association remove Delta's information from its meeting website.
"Delta's decision reflects the airline's neutral status in the current national debate over gun control amid recent school shootings. Out of respect for our customers and employees on both sides, Delta has taken this action to refrain from entering this debate and focus on its business. Delta continues to support the 2nd Amendment," it declared.
Republican politicians in Delta Air Lines' home state of Georgia responded with threats to "kill" a proposed US$40 million tax break for the carrier unless it rescinded its decision.
Georgia Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle reportedly tweeted: "I will kill any tax legislation that benefits Delta unless the company changes its position and fully reinstates its relationship with the NRA. Corporations cannot attack conservatives and expect us not to fight back."
