Verizon axes DEI in response to FCC pressure about “invidious” discrimination

US Telecoms giant Verizon has scrapped all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives along with the relevant DEI jobs.

This is in response to regulatory scrutiny and evolving federal mandates, including pressure from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr.

The company is disbanding its DEI leadership structure, and eliminating all roles and teams dedicated to DEI. This includes revisions to HR processes, supplier diversity programs, employee training, and internal initiatives to ensure full compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws.

In February, Carr criticised Verizon’s DEI policies, calling them “invidious forms of discrimination” and warning that they could jeopardize the FCC’s approval of Verizon’s proposed $9.6 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications. He urged the company to eliminate these policies to align with federal regulations and the public interest standard required for merger approvals.

Verizon has now informed Carr that it will terminate its DEI programs. The company said it would remove references to DEI from its website, employee training, hiring practices, career development programs, and supplier strategies. It also plans to eliminate workforce diversity goals and will no longer link management compensation to increases in minority or female representation.

In a reply to the FCC (below), Verizon’s chief legal officer, Vandana Venkatesh, acknowledged that some DEI measures could be perceived as discriminatory and confirmed that these changes would take effect immediately.

Carr praised the move, stating that ending DEI programs promotes equal opportunity, supports nondiscrimination, and aligns with the public interest. This development is part of a broader initiative under the Trump administration, which issued executive orders in January 2025 to dismantle DEI efforts across federal agencies and encouraged the private sector to do the same.

Verizon acknowledged the shifting legal and policy environment around DEI practices. While the company said it has historically viewed inclusive practices as a competitive advantage and a foundation for shareholder value, it now recognizes that some DEI-related policies may raise concerns about potential discriminatory outcomes.

“Verizon reaffirms its commitment to equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination,” the company stated, adding that these changes represent substantive shifts in internal practices, not merely cosmetic adjustments.

The announcement marks a significant departure from Verizon’s previous commitments to DEI and is likely to reverberate across the corporate landscape as other major firms reassess their own programs in light of the current regulatory climate.