Apple’s board of directors has urged investors to vote against a proposal to dismantle its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, a motion put forward by the conservative National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR).
The tech giant emphasised its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity, calling the proposal “unnecessary” and dismissing it as an attempt to micromanage the company’s policies.
The NCPPR argues that DEI programmes expose companies to “litigation, reputational, and financial risks,” referencing the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision against affirmative action at universities. The group has pledged to challenge DEI policies in court, raising concerns among corporate leaders.
Apple, however, defended its existing frameworks. In a filing to investors, the company stated, “Apple already has a well-established compliance program,” and stressed that the rollback proposal “inappropriately seeks to micromanage the Company’s programs and policies by suggesting a specific means of legal compliance.”
The proposal will be put to a shareholder vote at Apple’s annual general meeting on February 25.
The push to scale back DEI initiatives is gaining momentum among conservative groups and corporations. Several major U.S. companies, including Meta, Amazon, Walmart, and McDonald’s, have already reduced their DEI efforts.
Meta, for example, recently announced changes affecting hiring, supplier diversity, and employee training, citing a “shifting legal and policy landscape” in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling. The decision aligns with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s apparent efforts to strengthen ties with Donald Trump, who has been vocal in his criticism of DEI policies.
Meta’s recent actions include a $1 million donation to Trump’s inauguration fund, the appointment of a Republican public affairs chief, and the removal of fact-checkers from its platforms. These moves reflect growing pressure on corporations to align with conservative priorities as Trump prepares to return to the White House.
Unlike some of its peers, Apple has taken a firm stance against rolling back its DEI initiatives. The company’s directors argue that dismantling these programs would undermine its values and commitment to inclusivity. Apple’s leadership has historically prioritized social responsibility and appears determined to uphold its policies, despite mounting challenges from external forces.
Chioma Kalu
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