Brendan Carr to End FCC Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced significant changes to the agency’s strategic priorities. Brendan Carr, currently serving as the senior Republican member of the FCC, stated early Monday that the agency will cease its emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives starting next year.
Budget Request Highlights DEI as Priority
Carr shared an excerpt of the FCC’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2025 on social media platform X. The excerpt revealed that promoting DEI was the agency’s second highest strategic goal. He remarked, “The FCC’s most recent budget request said that promoting DEI was the agency’s second highest [sic] strategic goal. Starting next year, the FCC will end its promotion of DEI.” The only goal that ranked higher in importance was the pursuit of a 100% broadband policy.
The Implications of Ending DEI Initiatives
In discussions surrounding DEI, the FCC noted that understanding how its rules and practices might either facilitate or hinder progress in these areas was crucial. This self-assessment included a commitment to eliminate barriers that “perpetuate disadvantaged or underserved individuals and communities.” The budget narrative emphasized focused actions and investment, stating, “The FCC recognizes that it is more effective when its workforce reflects the experience, judgment, and input of individuals from many different backgrounds.” It asserted that advancing equity was intrinsic to the agency’s management and policymaking processes, benefiting all Americans.
The Goals That Follow
Aside from the now-defunct DEI initiatives, the agency’s budget outline included several other strategic goals. These included empowering consumers, enhancing public safety and national security, advancing America’s global competitiveness, and fostering operational excellence. Carr’s pointed declaration regarding DEI correlates with the agency’s shift in focus toward more traditional FCC objectives.
Carr’s Perspective on DEI
After making his announcement, Carr followed up with a GIF that he captioned: “When it comes to the FCC’s promotion of DEI, I have just one thing to say: Afuera (get out)!” This light-hearted yet pointed remark underscores his position that the FCC should concentrate its efforts on boosting broadband accessibility instead of DEI considerations.
Trump’s Endorsement of Carr
Trump officially designated Carr as his choice for FCC chairman on the preceding Sunday. He lauded Carr as a “warrior for free speech” who would ensure that the FCC adequately serves rural America. This endorsement aligns with Trump’s ongoing commitment to prioritize free speech and accessibility in the telecommunications sector.
Carr’s Background and Previous Confirmations
Brendan Carr has been a notable figure within the FCC since his initial appointment in 2017 during Trump’s first presidential term, and he continued to serve under President Biden. His bipartisan appeal was evidenced by the fact that he has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times. This level of bipartisan support has established Carr as a trusted leader capable of navigating the contentious political landscape that often envelops telecommunications policy.
