Key Points
- In a letter this week, AT&T told the FCC it is eliminating all DEI roles, programs and references as part of a broader realignment of business and workforce priorities.
- AT&T says the shift supports its focus on expanding 5G and fiber networks and will emphasize performance-driven workplace standards.
- The move follows increased scrutiny from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and similar actions by T-Mobile and Verizon.
AT&T is eliminating its diversity, equity and inclusiveness (DEI) policies and programs as part of a corporate realignment of business and workforce priorities, the telecommunications provider affirmed in a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) this week.
The decision to eliminate its DEI policies comes nine months after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr promised his agency would increase its scrutiny of service providers and other regulated companies with DEI programs and who seek approval for licenses, business-related transactions and other matters.
Like other companies, AT&T is focused on building out its land-based fiber networks and securing licenses for its 4G LTE and 5G wireless networks. Its two largest wireless competitors, T-Mobile and Verizon, ended their DEI-focused initiatives earlier this year.
In its letter on Monday, AT&T characterized the move as one necessary to super-serve its customers across its wireless and fiber business units.
“To bring 5G and fiber to more customers than anyone else, we have realigned our priorities, our budgets, and our personnel, and we are positioning our workforce to meet the connectivity needs of all Americans,” David McAtee II, AT&T’s Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel, wrote in the letter to Carr.
McAtee continued: “As part of this operational focus, we have reviewed our policies and relationships with external groups to ensure that they are aligned with our business priorities.”
Moving forward, AT&T says it “will not have any roles focused on DEI,” and will instead prioritize “an environment where everyone is entrusted to contribute their best, reinforcing our commitment to a workplace where all employees perform their best, are challenged in their work and feel a sense of community.”
AT&T also “removed training related to diversity, equity and inclusion” and “any references to (DEI) from our internal and external messaging.” The company will not restrict workers from creating or joining employee groups based on diversity or inclusiveness characteristics, but said participation in those groups won’t be used in determinations on hiring or promotions.
“Our workplace and culture are important factors in building our nation’s infrastructure and creating long-term shareholder value,” McAtee affirmed.
AT&T is one of the largest telecoms in the United States, with more than 90 million wireless subscribers and over 10 million AT&T Fiber customers. The company earned nearly $31 billion in revenue during its most-recent financial quarter.
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