Apple’s board of directors has urged shareholders to reject a proposal calling for the elimination of its DEI initiatives.
The proposal, brought forth by the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), argues that DEI policies expose corporations to legal, reputational, and financial risks in light of the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against affirmative action in university admissions.
However, Apple’s leadership firmly disagrees. The company’s recent filing to investors emphasizes that the compliance mechanisms already in place ensure its DEI programs operate within legal boundaries.
Apple’s board has characterized the NCPPR’s proposal as an unwarranted attempt to micromanage corporate policies, stating that such measures are “unnecessary” given the company’s established track record of legal and ethical adherence.
Apple’s decision comes after other corporate giants, including Meta, Amazon, and Walmart, have begun scaling back their DEI initiatives under increasing scrutiny from conservative groups.
A few weeks ago, Meta announced cutbacks to its DEI efforts. This rollback includes changes to hiring practices, supplier diversity programs, and staff training initiatives. The tech company also reconciled with conservative leadership, including donations to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration fund and the removal of fact-checking measures on its platforms.
Despite this trend, Apple is holding firm on its commitment to DEI. Apple has long championed initiatives aimed at increasing representation in its workforce, supplier base, and broader tech ecosystem, and the company shows no signs of backing down.
Apple’s annual general meeting is on February 25, where they will vote on the NCPPR’s proposal.
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