In a significant shift reflecting the current federal regulatory climate, Verizon Communications has dismantled its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to obtain approval for its $20 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications. This move aligns with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) stance under Chairman Brendan Carr, who has been critical of corporate DEI programs. 

Verizon’s decision came after a February 2025 communication from the FCC expressing concerns about the company’s DEI practices. In a letter dated May 15, Verizon’s Chief Legal Officer, Vandana Venkatesh, outlined the company’s commitment to ending DEI-related policies, stating that some practices “could be associated with discrimination.” 

The FCC approved the acquisition on May 16, 2025, the day after Verizon’s announcement. The deal is expected to expand Verizon’s fiber-optic services to over a million additional homes annually, particularly in rural areas. 

This development underscores the growing influence of federal regulatory bodies on corporate diversity initiatives. As companies navigate this evolving landscape, the balance between business objectives and social responsibility remains a topic of significant discussion.

For more details, you can read the full article on NPR.