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AT&T’s planned $5.75 billion acquisition of Lumen Technologies’ fiber assets is going ahead without a reversal of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, despite mounting industry and regulatory pressure.
Speaking to Yahoo Finance, AT&T CEO John Stankey acknowledged the increased scrutiny surrounding the deal, particularly as it requires approval from the Trump administration and new FCC Chair Brendan Carr. Carr has recently increased regulatory attention on corporate DEI initiatives.
Stankey said, “We don’t have to roll back anything,” adding that while he does not want to “prognosticate on the future,” AT&T’s focus remains on opportunity based on merit.
“Our policies and our approach at AT&T have always been that we progress people on merit,” Stankey said. “That any employee that comes to work here should have an opportunity to grow their career, work on building their skills, have an opportunity to succeed and earn a living.”
Regulatory climate adds uncertainty
Announced on May 21, the proposed acquisition of Lumen’s fiber business will enable the firm to expand its reach and infrastructure capabilities. Stankey emphasized that the deal aligns with the current administration’s stated goals.
“We’re investing in great infrastructure that makes the US economy more competitive. We’re going into footprints and markets where the previous owner didn’t have the wherewithal and capability to do that,” he said.
Although some telecom rivals like Verizon and T-Mobile have reduced their DEI programs amid pursuit of similar deals, the administration has not signaled opposition to the AT&T-Lumen transaction.
Internal changes to DEI approach
Despite its public stance, AT&T has made subtle adjustments to its DEI structure. As we previously reported the company ceased promoting the use of preferred pronoun pins earlier in the year. Some LGBTQ+ events were also reportedly canceled.
Additionally, the role of chief diversity officer was retitled to vice president of culture and inclusion, a position currently held by Michelle Jordan.
When asked by Yahoo Finance about the internal changes, AT&T declined to comment directly. Instead, the company reiterated its broad goals: “committed to serving customers across the country, being the industry’s best connectivity provider, and making sure that all Americans can get connected to the internet and enjoy the opportunities that it provides.”
