Major telecommunications company AT&T has announced the discontinuation of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives following directives from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The decision came through a letter sent to Chairman Brendan Carr.
The corporation stated that it had examined its policies to align them with business objectives. AT&T emphasized that DEI programs will not be used for hiring quotas based on protected characteristics like race or sex in future actions.
Furthermore, training materials related to diversity and equity were removed from all communications channels because they contained references that are now considered inconsistent with current legal standards. The company committed to ensuring future training aligns with guidelines provided by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
While AT&T mentioned it will retain employee groups established for over fifty years, these organizations must demonstrate concrete contributions aligned specifically with business outcomes moving forward.
AT&T’s leadership acknowledged receiving guidance from recent regulatory actions and court decisions regarding DEI policies. This move occurs as other major companies also respond to FCC requirements aimed at reforming employment practices within the sector.
