T-Mobile Announces End to DEI Practices
T-Mobile communicated with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr on Tuesday, indicating that various wireless companies, including theirs, have discontinued their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
In the letter to Chairman Carr, T-Mobile stated:
The expectation for companies regulated by the FCC is to operate free of various forms of hidden discrimination and to maintain practices that are inclusive for everyone. T-Mobile’s culture aims to empower every employee and promote unity among all Americans, regardless of their background or location.
Earlier this year, T-Mobile acknowledged the changes in the legal and policy landscape regarding DEI under federal law, affirming their commitment to policies that prevent unusual discrimination, whether through DEI initiatives or other methods. The company has undertaken a thorough assessment of its policies, programs, and activities following this review. As a result, T-Mobile has decided to eliminate its DEI-related policies. This decision is not just nominal but substantive. [Emphasis added]
Ending DEI practices includes reallocating staff who were previously engaged in cultural and employee engagement roles, effectively removing dedicated DEI positions. The company will also eliminate any references to DEI on its websites and in future communications.
T-Mobile noted, “We do not employ recruitment quotas, targets, or percentages based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.”
The wireless provider has also taken DEI content out of employee training resources.
This move aligns with a broader initiative by Chairman Carr to abolish DEI policies among various FCC-regulated companies.
In May, Verizon announced it had also ended its DEI policy.
“Verizon has agreed to eliminate the DEI policy as detailed in the recent FCC filing. These changes will be implemented immediately. This is a positive step for equal opportunity, non-discrimination, and public interest,” Carr mentioned.
In February, Chairman Carr launched an investigation into the DEI policies of companies like Comcast, indicating a similar approach.
