AT&T has decided to discontinue its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program, aligning with a broader trend among corporations as the Trump administration advocates for the removal of similar initiatives nationwide.
In a letter sent to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, the telecommunications company—with around 100,000 employees in the U.S.—informed that it will be ending DEI-related policies due to recent legal adjustments surrounding these programs.
David McAtee, AT&T’s senior executive vice president and general counsel, stated, “AT&T has always valued merit-based opportunity, and today we are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination. Our diverse approach will enable our employees to flourish in an environment free from harmful discrimination.”
Reports indicated that AT&T’s prior training labeled racism as a “white trait,” emphasizing that white employees were somehow the “problem,” according to Christopher Rufo from the City Journal’s Manhattan Institute.
Interestingly, T-Mobile has also scrapped its DEI program while seeking crucial FCC approval for a significant transaction.
AT&T’s announcement follows similar moves by companies such as Amazon, Meta, Lowe’s, and McDonald’s, which have ended their DEI initiatives. Major carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile have followed suit as well.
During his initial week in office, President Donald Trump shut down DEI offices throughout the federal government, and Carr has pledged to utilize every avenue available to eliminate these programs from regulated companies.
Moreover, in November 2024, AT&T secured a deal to acquire some radio frequency licenses from U.S. Cellular for $1.02 billion, pending FCC endorsement.
On social media, Carr noted AT&T’s commitment to abolishing DEI-related policies. The company stated it no longer plans to fill DEI-focused roles, asserting its dedication to merit-based compensation and promotions.
McAtee further emphasized that AT&T’s hiring, training, and career development will not be influenced by race, gender, or other protected characteristics and all DEI training has been removed.
FOX Business has reached out to AT&T to request additional comments.
