AT&T to Eliminate Diversity Policies
AT&T has decided to phase out its controversial diversity initiatives, including a training program that labeled racism as a “white trait.”
In a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, the telecommunications giant based in Dallas mentioned that the landscape for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is shifting. With over 110,000 employees in the U.S., the company emphasized its commitment to hiring and advancing individuals based on merit and qualifications, stating that it doesn’t impose racial, gender, or sexual orientation quotas in its employment or supplier contracts.
AT&T also indicated it has removed all DEI training from its employees’ curriculum and will not have roles specifically focused on DEI in the future.
A report from 2021, based on leaked documents, revealed that some training materials previously suggested that racism was inherently linked to being white, and even encouraged white employees to reflect on their role in perpetuating racism. Employees were directed to consider resources related to critical race theory, with stark statements such as, “White Americans, if you want to know who is responsible for racism, look in the mirror,” as reported by Christopher Rufo from the Manhattan Institute.
In response to inquiries, AT&T did not provide immediate comments. David McAtee, the company’s senior vice president and general counsel, noted that the firm has adjusted its practices to comply with all relevant laws, including entirely removing DEI-related policies.
McAtee expressed that AT&T has always prioritized merit-based opportunities and reiterated its commitment to equal employment and non-discrimination. He mentioned that the company will continue to support employee groups that have existed for over 50 years, which often focus on aspects like women’s and Black employee networks, but clarified that membership in such groups wouldn’t be restricted by demographics.
Additionally, AT&T stated it would discontinue participation in investigations focused on protected characteristics.
This announcement aligns with similar moves by Verizon and T-Mobile, amidst competitive pressures from cable providers, emphasizing that key FCC licenses would not be granted unless diversity initiatives were dismantled.
In a recent trend, the Ellison family’s media conglomerate Skydance also committed to abandoning Paramount’s DEI policy while appointing a media ombudsman for CBS News as part of their merger plans. Shortly after, the FCC approved a significant $8.4 billion deal.
Companies that have rolled back DEI policies have frequently stopped reporting their Corporate Equality Index data to the Human Rights Campaign, an organization that advocates for LGBTQ rights.
The political landscape has also changed; during his second term, President Trump signed multiple executive orders aimed at reversing DEI policies across both public and private sectors. Moreover, a Supreme Court ruling in 2023, which overturned race-based affirmative action in college admissions, continues to influence the reduction of DEI programs.
