Verizon’s recent acquisition of Frontier Communications has received the green light from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This $20 billion deal is significant as it allows Verizon to enhance and expand Frontier’s broadband network across 25 states. However, the deal comes with a notable condition: Verizon has agreed to end its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
The approval from the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau was granted last week, following Verizon’s commitment to eliminate what the FCC described as "discriminatory DEI policies." In a statement, the FCC emphasized that the new Verizon will adhere to equal opportunity and non-discrimination practices.
Vandana Venkatesh, Verizon’s Executive Vice President of Public Policy and Chief Legal Officer, communicated this shift in a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. She stated that the changes to DEI-related practices would take effect immediately. Venkatesh acknowledged that some DEI policies might be linked to discrimination and reaffirmed Verizon’s dedication to equal employment opportunities.
As part of this transition, Verizon plans to restructure its human resources to remove any roles focused on DEI. The company will also eliminate references to DEI in employee training manuals and stop participating in surveys aimed at recognizing protected characteristics. Furthermore, Verizon will no longer track supplier diversity metrics or maintain workforce diversity goals.
Despite these changes, Verizon’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) will still operate under the HR umbrella. These groups will remain open to all employees, regardless of their demographic background, and any events or activities will not differentiate based on protected characteristics.
This move aligns with a broader trend among organizations reevaluating their DEI initiatives in response to shifting legal landscapes. The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled against college admission policies that considered race, and former President Donald Trump had previously ordered the termination of DEI programs in his administration.
Venkatesh noted that the regulatory environment surrounding DEI is evolving, prompting companies to rethink their approaches. As Verizon moves forward with its acquisition and policy changes, it reflects a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about diversity and inclusion in corporate America.