Verizon Overhauls Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs
In a significant shift, Verizon is quickly moving away from its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, following pressure from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr. A letter released on Friday outlined plans to eliminate DEI metrics, specific job titles, and training materials across the company. The focus going forward will be on essential business objectives rather than demographic measurements.
This change aligns with suggestions made by Carr in February, where he raised questions about Verizon’s adherence to civil rights laws in response to a presidential order that scrutinizes DEI practices in the private sector. The overhaul has generated mixed reactions, with some experts voicing concern over corporate America’s approach to DEI initiatives.
Vandana Venkatesh, Verizon’s Chief Justice Officer, emphasized in the letter that the shift is about modifying the company’s practices—not merely the terminology used. “Verizon recognizes that some DEI policies and practices may be related to discrimination,” she wrote. The new approach will come into effect immediately.
Verizon has already dismantled its standalone DEI initiatives, removed DEI terminology from employee resources, and stopped tying management bonuses to workforce representation goals. While employee resource groups will remain open to everyone, the company hints they won’t receive special treatment in hiring or promotions.
This decisive shift contrasts sharply with statements from Mark Bertolini, the chair of Verizon’s finance committee. During a recent health summit, he implied that some DEI terms are no longer acceptable. “We don’t use certain words like DEI — a bad word,” he remarked, suggesting a need to change the language while still aiming for the same objectives through what he now calls “business resource groups.”
In a recent tweet, Carr applauded Verizon’s decision, calling it a positive step for equal opportunities and public interest. Earlier, his office had cautioned Verizon that any race-based initiatives could jeopardize their pending trading restrictions with the FCC.
Amid increasing scrutiny from the federal level, Trump’s administration pushed federal contractors to abandon DEI programs, indicating that their initiatives must comply with anti-discrimination laws. The deadline for compliance was set for April 20th.
In another development, Verizon received over $2 billion from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2023 to upgrade telecommunications infrastructure. The company has yet to respond to requests for additional comments.
