Apple’s Board Recommends Investors Vote Against Proposal to Abolish Diversity and Inclusion Programs
Apple’s board of directors has recommended that investors vote against a shareholder proposal to abolish the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. The proposal, submitted by the National Center for Public Policy, a conservative think tank, urges Apple to consider eliminating its “Inclusion & Diversity program, policies, department, and goals.” The proposal argues that DEI programs pose “litigation, reputational, and financial risks to companies” and could make Apple more vulnerable to lawsuits.
Apple has responded to the proposal, stating that it has a well-established compliance program and that the proposal is an unnecessary attempt to micromanage its business strategy. The company reiterated its commitment to being an equal opportunity employer, stating that it does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, training, or promoting employees on any basis protected by law.
Several major companies, including Meta and Amazon, are winding down diversity programs ahead of the potential return of Republican Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. This development is seen as part of a larger conservative backlash against diversity initiatives, which has been amplified by a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down affirmative action in university admissions decisions. The backlash gained momentum following the widespread protests in 2020 after the police killings of George Floyd and other Black Americans.
The proposal’s rejection by Apple’s board suggests that the company remains committed to its DEI programs, which are designed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within its workforce. However, the increasing pushback against diversity initiatives could signal a potential shift in corporate policies and values in the future.