AT&T is scrapping its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, becoming the latest company to end the policies as the Trump administration continues pushing for the nationwide elimination of the practices.
In a letter sent on Monday (Dec 1) to FCC Chair Brendan Carr, AT&T cited the shifting “legal landscape,” including President Donald Trump’s executive orders, Supreme Court rulings, and guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), as reasoning for ending DEI.
The changes include eliminating all roles focused on DEI, and ending any DEI-related training.
The move by AT&T follows similar commitments to end DEI by Verizon and T-Mobile, Meta, Amazon and Paramount.
AT&T, like its telecom competitors, is in the market for wireless spectrum as it seeks to take on cable and satellite companies, and Carr has made it clear that eliminating DEI is effectively a requirement for any company seeking approval from the FCC for license.
“AT&T has always stood for merit-based opportunity, and we are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination today,” wrote David McAtee, a senior executive vice president and general counsel at AT&T. “Consistent with applicable law, our multi-pronged approach allows employees to thrive in an environment free from invidious discrimination.”
In a statement, Anna Gomez, the FCC’s lone Democratic commissioner, sharply criticized AT&T’s move.
“AT&T’s reversal isn’t a sudden transformation of values, but a strategic financial play to curry favor with this FCC/Administration,” Gomez said. “Companies should remember that abandoning fairness and inclusion for short-term gain will be a stain to their reputation long into the future.”