Commissioner Gomez on Culture Wars and Ending Diversity Equity and Inclusion Efforts

What a shame. The Federal Communications Commission was created for the purpose of ‘regulating interstate and foreign commerce in communication by wire and radio so as to make available, so far as possible, to all the people of the United States, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex, a rapid, efficient, Nationwide, and world-wide wire and radio communication service. . .’  Most recently, in the [Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act], Congress directed the Commission to prevent and eliminate digital discrimination. Turning off the light on initiatives aimed at helping us find what causes inequality kneecaps our ability to implement these congressional directives. It is our foundational mission to serve all – without discrimination. Let’s be clear, diversity, equity, and inclusion does not equal discrimination. It is precisely our efforts to be equitable and inclusive that strengthen our ability to fulfill our mission. Over the years, the Communications Equity and Diversity Council (CEDC) and its multiple predecessors, first chartered under former Chairman Michael Powell in 2003, have offered valuable recommendations to the FCC. I am deeply familiar with the important work this advisory group does for our agency.  Former Chairman Ajit Pai created its immediate predecessor in 2017, the Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment, and appointed me as Vice Chair and subsequently Chair.  It is a shame that the current administration does not see value in the recommendations from telecommunications industry leaders, consumer experts, and local government officials. It is important that the Commission is not distracted by culture wars and is focused instead on the important work we have to do to ensure everyone, everywhere is connected, including communities historically left behind.  It bears repeating, our foundational mission is to serve all.  I will continue to live this mission and advance it as a commissioner.