Apple shareholders have voted against ending its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programme.
In January, The US National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) proposed that Apple end its DEI programme, arguing that these initiatives pose litigation, reputational, and financial risks to companies, which in turn could potentially harm shareholders.
The conservative think tank suggested that Apple should follow other large companies that have scaled back their DEI efforts under recent pressure from conservative activists.
However, after a brief presentation of the anti-DEI proposal, Apple announced that shareholders rejected it.
In a briefing note presented on Tuesday, Apple announced that 97 per cent of shareholders voted against the measure, reaffirming its commitment to DEI as an integral part of the company’s culture and success.
“Apple has a well-established compliance programme and the proposal inappropriately attempts to limit Apple’s ability to manage its day-to-day business operations, people and teams, and business strategies,” Apple said in the documents filed. “Our Board and management maintain active oversight of legal and regulatory risks and compliance for our global business.”In its supporting statement, Apple said that major companies have responded by rolling back their DEI commitments and laying off DEI departments.
Alphabet and Meta have cut DEI staff and DEI-related investments, while Microsoft and Zoom laid off their entire DEI teams.
But Apple reiterated how business’ conduct and compliance policies are crucial parts of the way the tech firm conducts business. “And we strive to create a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work,” it added.
Apple said the NCPPR proposal inappropriately attempts to restrict its ability to manage its own ordinary business operations, people and teams, and business strategies. It added that the proposal seeks to “micromanage” the company’s programmes and policies by suggesting a specific means of legal compliance.
“Apple is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, training, or promoting on any basis protected by law,” it said.
Earlier today, Bank of America said it eliminated its workplace representation targets and altered its diversity initiatives as it adjusts to new legal realities under US president Donald Trump’s administration.
The second largest US lender will no longer pursue “aspirational” goals for diversity and inclusion that were previously outlined in regulatory filings, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The bank’s annual report, released Tuesday, replaced numerous references to “diversity” with alternative terms such as “talent” and “opportunity”.
Additionally, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based institution is renaming an internal human resources group to “opportunity and inclusion” from “diversity and inclusion” and will abandon its practice of requiring diverse candidate slates and interview panels.
