In a rare show of support for its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments, Apple urged shareholders to vote against a proposal to abandon these policies. The move comes as several companies have ditched their DEI initiatives in recent months, citing concerns about discrimination and free speech.
A think tank group, the National Center for Public Policy Research, raised the proposal, arguing that Apple’s DEI program could be extended by the Supreme Court ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. The group claimed that Apple’s programs, including its supplier diversity initiative and hiring of a VP for diversity, were forms of discrimination.
However, Apple’s board disagreed, stating that the proposal is “unnecessary” and accusing the group of attempting to restrict the company’s ability to manage its operations. Apple maintains that it follows the law and complies with nondiscrimination regulations, with an active audit committee overseeing the risks associated with its DEI programs.
Other companies have also faced similar pushback on their DEI policies. Meta and McDonald’s recently abandoned their initiatives, citing shifting cultural attitudes and legal precedent from the affirmative action Supreme Court case. Several other companies, including Walmart, Boeing, and Ford, have scaled back or eliminated their DEI commitments in recent months.
Despite the growing trend of anti-DEI sentiment, Apple has taken a firm stance on its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The company’s annual meeting will feature a vote on the proposal, which is expected to pass given the common practice among publicly traded companies to oppose shareholder proposals.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2025/01/13/apple-urges-shareholders-to-reject-anti-dei-policy