FCC Chairman Vows to Eliminate DEI Programs, Enlists Conservative Activist’s Help
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr is intensifying his efforts to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within companies regulated by the agency. Carr has pledged to utilize all available tools to eliminate what he views as discriminatory practices, and has partnered with conservative activist Robby Starbuck to bolster the campaign.
Carr and Starbuck convened on Wednesday to strategize on how the FCC can leverage its enforcement powers to eradicate DEI initiatives in the telecommunications sector. Their discussion centered on enforcing existing civil rights laws and leveraging President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders aimed at DEI programs in both the public and private spheres.
"It’s my hope that this meeting is a wake-up call for businesses within the FCC’s purview that the days of violating the law with DEI are over," Starbuck stated in an interview with Fox News Digital.
Carr has committed to enforcing FCC equal employment opportunity regulations on private companies that fail to comply with Trump’s executive orders. He has also indicated that the FCC will withhold transaction approvals, such as mergers, from companies that do not actively eliminate discriminatory DEI programs.
Since Trump’s presidency, a significant number of companies have either terminated or scaled back their DEI programs. Carr announced in January that the FCC would cease promoting DEI initiatives and initiated probes into Verizon and Comcast, demanding that they dismantle their DEI policies.
In the past, Verizon hosted a forum where a speaker advocated for defunding the police and discussed concepts such as "privilege" and "microinequities" as part of a diversity training program. While Verizon confirmed the FCC’s letter, they did not comment on their existing DEI policies. A Verizon representative stated that the specific training program in question no longer exists and was misconstrued in reports. Verizon is currently seeking FCC approval for its acquisition of Frontier Communications.
Starbuck alleges that there is an attempt to conceal DEI programs by renaming them.
In February, Carr launched an investigation into Comcast and NBCUniversal, expressing concerns that the company was promoting invidious forms of discrimination through its DEI policies. Comcast’s website states that DEI is a "core value" of its business.
"I am concerned that Comcast and NBCUniversal may be promoting invidious forms of DEI in a manner that does not comply with FCC regulations," Carr wrote in a letter to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts. He cited Comcast’s website, which promotes DEI as a core value, and public reports indicating that Comcast has a comprehensive DEI infrastructure that includes annual "DEI day[s]," "DEI training for company leaders," and similar initiatives.
Starbuck argues that DEI is a "Trojan horse for left-wing policy" that masquerades as anti-racism but leads to racial hiring quotas and intolerance towards conservative or religious viewpoints. "Companies are learning that in the internet age, you must avoid virtue signaling and wokeness," he added.
Starbuck, whose advocacy has influenced numerous companies to end or curtail their DEI policies, recently announced that AT&T has decided to cease its DEI initiatives. According to Starbuck’s announcement on X, the telecom company will no longer employ a DEI officer and has terminated all DEI training programs.
"I want to thank Robby for sharing his insights and expertise with me and my team as the FCC works to root out this insidious form of discrimination," Carr stated.
Comcast and AT&T did not respond to requests for comment.
Carr’s actions are supported by conservatives who argue that DEI programs often discriminate against individuals based on their race or political beliefs. They contend that such programs prioritize diversity over merit and create a hostile environment for those who do not subscribe to progressive ideologies. Conversely, proponents of DEI argue that these programs are necessary to address historical and systemic inequities and to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace. They maintain that DEI initiatives promote diversity of thought and experience, which can lead to better decision-making and innovation.
The debate over DEI has become increasingly polarized, with both sides accusing the other of promoting discrimination. Carr’s efforts to eliminate DEI programs are likely to face legal challenges and public scrutiny. The outcome of this battle will have significant implications for the future of diversity and inclusion efforts in the telecommunications industry and beyond.
The scope of the FCC’s authority over DEI programs is also a point of contention. Critics argue that the agency is exceeding its regulatory mandate by interfering with companies’ internal employment policies. Supporters contend that the FCC has a responsibility to ensure that companies it regulates comply with civil rights laws and do not engage in discriminatory practices.
The controversy surrounding DEI highlights the broader cultural and political divisions in the United States. As the debate over DEI continues, it is essential to engage in constructive dialogue and to seek common ground. The goal should be to create workplaces that are both diverse and inclusive, where all employees are treated fairly and have the opportunity to succeed.
Ultimately, the success of any diversity and inclusion initiative depends on the commitment of leadership and the willingness of employees to embrace different perspectives. By fostering a culture of respect and understanding, companies can create workplaces where everyone feels valued and empowered. The long term impact of this initiative is still unknown, but the actions taken now will shape the future of diversity and inclusion in the telecommunications and similar industries.
