Was Verizon honest about its commitment to upholding DEI?
Back in March 2025, AFROTECH™ reported that the company had not aligned itself with the White House or conservative pressure to retract diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments. At the time, Verizon emphasized the importance of nurturing an inclusive environment and reaffirmed its support for diversity across the board.
“We care about diversity in both our employees and our suppliers. Diversity and inclusion is how we achieve success,” a statement on the company website had previously read. “By celebrating diversity across all spectrums, including but not limited to race, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran/military status, and age, we are a stronger company and culture. “We take pride in our talented and diverse team of people who focus on our customers, every day. Their combined intelligence, spirit and creativity make Verizon a great place to work, learn and grow.”
This supported a statement Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg issued (since removed) on June 6, 2020 — just over a month after the death of George Floyd due to police brutality, which prompted a racial awakening. “Verizon is fiercely committed to diversity and inclusion across all spectrums because it makes us and the world better,” Vestberg said, as Popular Information notes.
It appears Verizon’s tone has shifted. The company sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr on Thursday, May 15, per National Review. It stated that the company planned to remove DEI references from its websites and training materials. Additionally, it announced the dismantling of its internal human resources team focused on diversity policies, as well as the elimination of bonuses and goals aimed at increasing the representation of women and minority employees, NPR reports.
“We are committed to creating a culture that leverages and values each person’s unique strengths and talents,” Verizon Chief Legal Officer Vandana Venkatesh said in the letter, according to NPR. “However, we recognize that the regulatory and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (‘DEI’) has changed.”
Just one day after sending the letter, the FCC approved a $20 billion deal for Verizon to purchase broadband provider Frontier Communications, which extends its reach to 25 states.
“Approving this transaction allows Verizon to upgrade and expand Frontier’s existing network in 25 states, bringing more fiber to more communities,” Carr said in a news release. “Verizon’s new fiber deployments will enable the retirement of old copper networks, ensuring that more communities benefit from advanced technologies. Following the transaction, Verizon expects to deploy fiber to 1 million or more American homes annually.”
He continued: “Verizon has also committed to ending DEI-related practices as specified in the FCC’s record and has reaffirmed the merged entity’s commitment to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination. This will ensure that the combined business will enact policies and practices consistent with the law and the public interest.”
