Apple’s Board Opposes Proposal to End Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs

The company also asserted that the shareholder recommendation sought to micromanage its business strategy inappropriately.

Apple’s board of directors has advised shareholders to vote against a proposal to abolish the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as per a recent proxy filing.

The proposal, submitted by the National Center for Public Policy, a conservative think tank, suggested Apple eliminate its “Inclusion & Diversity program, policies, department, and goals.”

The group cited recent Supreme Court rulings and argued that DEI programs pose “litigation, reputational, and financial risks to companies,” potentially exposing Apple to legal challenges.

In response, Apple stated that its compliance program is robust and the proposal is unnecessary.

The company also asserted that the shareholder recommendation sought to micromanage its business strategy inappropriately.

“Apple is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, training, or promoting on any basis protected by law,” the company explained in the filing.

The story was initially reported by TechCrunch.

DEI Programs Face Broader Challenges

Several major corporations, including Meta and Amazon, have begun scaling back their diversity initiatives as conservative opposition to such programs gains momentum.

This shift aligns with the political climate surrounding former President Donald Trump’s return to prominence and a broader backlash against diversity efforts.

Conservative groups, bolstered by a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned affirmative action in university admissions, have intensified their criticism of DEI initiatives and threatened lawsuits.

The move underscores how America’s largest corporations are navigating a growing conservative backlash.

The scrutiny of diversity efforts intensified after the 2020 protests over police violence against George Floyd and other Black Americans, which prompted many companies to expand their DEI commitments.

The debate reflects ongoing tensions between corporate diversity goals and shifting political and legal landscapes.