FCC Chairman Moves to Reshape Verizon’s DEI Policies
FCC Chairman Brendan Kerr has successfully pushed for changes in Verizon’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
“Verizon has agreed to discontinue the DEI policies outlined in the new submission to the FCC. These changes are to take effect immediately, marking a positive step toward equal opportunities and non-discrimination,” Kerr stated.
In a recent submission to the Communications Regulatory Agency, Verizon indicated that its human resources structure has been revised. They no longer have teams specifically focused on DEI, and those in DEI roles are now concentrating on broader HR talent objectives.
Verizon also mentioned several additional changes, including:
- Eliminating any references to DEI in employee training materials.
- Removing the requirement for suppliers to meet diverse spending targets from its managed wage plans, shifting instead to enhance opportunities for small and veteran-owned businesses.
- Making its Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) inclusive of all individuals, regardless of race or gender.
- Modifying the criteria for annual bonuses and short-term incentives to no longer focus on diversity goals related to hiring women and minorities.
- Ensuring that scholarships, internships, and career development initiatives are not tied to racial or gender characteristics.
- Removing mentions of “diversity and inclusion” from their website and other communications.
“While our practices may change, our core principles remain firm. We are dedicated to a culture built on trust, care, and excellence, which enables us to provide top-notch services to all our customers,” stated Verizon in their submission.
In late February, Kerr initiated a survey concerning Verizon’s DEI policies, similar to an earlier probe into Comcast’s practices. He has characterized these DEI initiatives as “a questionable form of discrimination” that might breach FCC regulations and civil rights laws.
