Apple’s board of directors has advised shareholders to oppose a proposal aimed at dismantling the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, as detailed in a recent proxy filing.
The proposal, submitted by the National Center for Public Policy, a conservative think tank, suggested that Apple reconsider its “Inclusion & Diversity” initiatives, which include programs, policies, and departmental goals.
The rationale behind the proposal references recent Supreme Court rulings, arguing that DEI programs create “litigation, reputational, and financial risks” that could expose Apple to increased legal vulnerabilities.
In response, Apple emphasized the strength of its compliance programs, asserting that the proposal was unwarranted and represented an inappropriate attempt to interfere with the company’s strategic decisions. The tech giant reiterated its commitment to being an equal opportunity employer, ensuring non-discrimination in its hiring and promotional practices.
As the debate over diversity initiatives intensifies, several major corporations, including prominent names in the tech industry, are reconsidering their DEI strategies in light of shifting political landscapes, particularly with the potential return of Republican leadership.
Conservative groups are increasingly vocal against DEI programs and have threatened legal action against corporations regarding these initiatives, emboldened by a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that eliminated affirmative action in higher education admissions.
These developments reflect a broader trend of major businesses navigating a significant conservative backlash against diversity efforts, a movement that gained traction following widespread protests for racial justice in 2020.
