Apple Shareholders Reject Proposal to End Diversity Programs
Apple shareholders have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to eliminate the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The measure, backed by the National Centre for Public Policy Research, received only 3% support in a shareholder vote.
The conservative think tank urged Apple to follow other companies that have scaled back DEI efforts amid scrutiny from the Trump administration. The proposal argued that such initiatives could expose Apple to legal challenges and claimed that "forced diversity is bad for business."
Apple disclosed the voting results in a regulatory filing on Tuesday, reaffirming its commitment to fostering a diverse workforce. The company has defended its DEI programs as beneficial for business, despite increasing legal and political challenges.
Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged that the company may need to adjust its diversity initiatives as legal circumstances evolve. However, he assured shareholders that Apple remains committed to maintaining a culture of inclusion.
The shareholder vote follows a similar rejection of an anti-DEI proposal at Costco’s annual meeting last month. Despite these setbacks, the National Center for Public Policy Research continues to challenge corporate diversity efforts.
The debate over DEI programs has intensified following legal actions, including a lawsuit filed last week by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier against Target. The lawsuit alleges that Target’s DEI initiatives alienated consumers and harmed shareholder value.
Apple’s most recent diversity report, released in 2022, showed that nearly three-fourths of its global workforce consists of white and Asian employees, with men making up nearly two-thirds of the staff. Similar trends have been reported across the technology industry, where efforts to diversify have largely fallen short.
Apple shareholders rejected a proposal to eliminate the company’s DEI programs.
The measure, backed by a conservative think tank, received only 3% support.
CEO Tim Cook reaffirmed Apple’s commitment to diversity while acknowledging potential legal adjustments.
Source: AP NEWS