Telecommunications and media giant AT&T has committed to ending its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, and to refrain from DEI-based hiring quotas, training and supplier requirements, in a letter to U.S. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr.

The letter by AT&T forms the latest in a series of moves by U.S. companies and investors to pull back on their DEI programs and policies, which began following a Supreme Court ruling in 2023 that struck down Harvard’s use of race-based affirmative action criteria in college admissions, and led to increased scrutiny over the legality of key aspects of corporate DEI policies. The Trump administration has actively pushed back against DEI as well, with the President issuing an executive order on his first day in office terminating all federal government DEI programs.

Carr, appointed by Trump, has also warned companies that the FCC may block transactions if companies promote DEI policies. The letter from AT&T forms part of AT&T’s application to acquire wireless spectrum licenses from U.S. Cellular.

AT&T’s 2023 annual report included a section on “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” stating that the company “believe(s) that championing diversity and fostering inclusion does more than just make us a better company, it contributes to a world where people are empowered to be their very best,” and highlights “an emphasis on attracting and hiring talented people who represent a mix of backgrounds, identities and experiences.”

In the letter, AT&T makes a series of commitments, including stating that it “does not and will not have any roles focused on DEI,” that its “hiring, training and career development opportunities are not and will not be based on or limited by race, gender, or other protected characteristics,” that it will not use race, sex or sexual orientation-based hiring quotas, and that it has removed DEI-related training. The company also confirmed that its procurement practices are not based on demographic goals, and that it does not require suppliers to meet demographic-based goals.

The letter stated:

“We have closely followed the recent Executive Orders, Supreme Court Rulings and guidance issued by the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission, and have adjusted our employment and business practices to ensure that they comply with all applicable laws and related requirements, including ending DEI-related policies… not just in name, but in substance.”

Following the receipt of the letter, Carr said:

“AT&T has now memorialized its commitment to ending DEI-related policies in an FCC filing and ‘will not have any roles focused on DEI.’”