Apple’s board of directors has recommended investors vote against a proposal to abolish the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. The proposal, submitted by conservative think tank the National Center for Public Policy, argues that DEI poses financial risks to companies and could make them more vulnerable to lawsuits.
However, Apple maintains that it has a well-established compliance program and that the proposal is unnecessary. The company also claims that the shareholder proposal is an attempt to micromanage its business strategy.
The move comes as several major companies, including Meta and Amazon, are winding down diversity programs ahead of Republican Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency. Conservative groups have denounced DEI initiatives, citing a recent US Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action in university admissions decisions.
The backlash against diversity initiatives has been growing since widespread protests following the police killings of George Floyd and other Black Americans in 2020. As a result, many companies are reevaluating their approach to diversity and inclusion.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/12/apples-board-recommends-shareholders-vote-against-proposal-to-eliminate-diversity-programs.html