\n<\/p>\n
Telecommunications giant Verizon<\/span> is ending several internal programs that foster \u2014 or simply mention \u2014 a diverse workforce, following a federal probe and threats from Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr.<\/p>\n After President Donald Trump issued an executive order to rid the federal government of \u201cdiversity, equity, and inclusion\u201d initiatives, the FCC in February launched a formal investigation<\/a> into Verizon\u2019s corporate diversity practices. The probe arrived as Verizon awaited approval for its planned $9.6 billion takeover of Frontier Communications. Carr has been open about leveraging the Frontier deal against Verizon. Asked in a CNBC interview<\/a> whether he would block Verizon\u2019s purchase if it didn\u2019t shut down workplace diversity programs, he replied, \u201cI\u2019ve told everybody if they want to get a deal done before the FCC, they need to get rid of any invidious forms of discrimination.\u201d<\/p>\n In a May 15 letter to Carr, obtained by The Intercept, Verizon chief legal officer Vandana Venkatesh writes that the company will comply with the government\u2019s wishes. \u201cDelivering for customers requires attracting the best talent from across the country,\u201d Venkatesh says. \u201cWe are committed to creating a culture that leverages and values each person\u2019s unique strengths and talents. These values have been fundamental to our Verizon culture since our founding 25 years ago. However, we recognize that the regulatory and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (\u201cDEI\u201d) has changed.\u201d Following an internal evaluation, \u201cVerizon recognizes that some DEl policies and practices could be associated with discrimination. For that reason, Verizon reaffirms its commitment to equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination and is modifying its practices and ending its DEI-related policies.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The changes include reassigning diversity-focused roles in Verizon\u2019s human resources department; removing mentions of the words \u201cdiversity, equity, and inclusion\u201d from employee training; ceasing to consider diversity when doing business with outside vendors in favor of contracting with \u201csmall businesses, including veteran-owned businesses\u201d; and eliminating diversity-based hiring goals. The letter also says the company will cease certain \u201ccorporate sponsorships\u201d in response to FCC demands \u2014 potentially <\/a>a reference to the company\u2019s past sponsorship of Pride events \u2014 and will cease to use the term \u201cDEI\u201d or the words \u201cdiversity, equity and inclusion\u201d in any public messaging. Any prior reference to these words or concepts will be deleted, according to the letter.<\/p>\n The letter marks an about-face for Verizon and Venkatesh personally. In a 2023 LinkedIn post announcing a DEI-related company award, she wrote, \u201cI\u2019m so proud of the work the team has done to launch the annual IDEAward, recognizing law firms that share our commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging in the legal industry. Congratulations to the winners and honorees of Verizon\u2019s first annual IDEAward, and to the V-teamers who, like David, have dedicated their time and effort to making our company \u2013 and the legal profession \u2013 a more inclusive one.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n