Apple’s board has urged investors to reject a proposal aimed at dismantling its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. The motion, put forward by the conservative National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), is seen by Apple as an unnecessary attempt to micromanage the company’s policies. The tech giant emphasized its dedication to fostering inclusivity and described the proposal as a threat to its established compliance programs.
The NCPPR argues that DEI initiatives expose companies to legal and financial risks, referencing the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision against affirmative action at universities. They have pledged to challenge these policies in court, fueling growing concerns about DEI programs across corporate America. Several major U.S. companies, including Meta, Amazon, and Walmart, have already scaled back their DEI efforts in response to shifting legal and political pressures.
Unlike its peers, Apple has firmly defended its DEI framework, highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity. The company’s leadership has stated that dismantling these programs would undermine its core values. Apple is preparing to face a shareholder vote on the proposal at its annual general meeting on February 25.