Apple board pushes against diversity rollback call
Apple’s board of directors is calling on investors to vote against a proposal to end its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Previously, the conservative group National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) called on the tech giant to repeal its DEI policies, saying they exposed companies to “litigation, reputational and financial risks.”
Apple directors said the NCPPR proposal was unnecessary because the company had checks and balances in place.
Other major U.S. companies, including Meta and Amazon, have canceled DEI programs ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House this month, who has been highly critical of DEI policies.
“This proposal is unnecessary because Apple already has a comprehensive compliance program in place,” The company’s filing to investors said.
Apple’s board also said the DEI rollback plan “inappropriately attempts to micromanage the company’s programs and policies by proposing specific means of legal compliance.”
The NCPPR proposal is scheduled to be submitted to a shareholder vote at Apple’s annual shareholder meeting on February 25.
Conservative groups have threatened legal action against DEI programs at major companies, saying such policies contradict a 2023 Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action at universities.
Last week, Facebook owner Meta became Latest U.S. company to cancel DEI programjoining a growing list of major companies including Amazon, Walmart and McDonald’s.
In a memo to employees about the decision, Meta cited the “evolving legal and policy environment” that affects hiring, supplier and training efforts.
It also cited the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling.
Mehta’s boss, Mark Zuckerberg, has been trying to reconcile with Trump since he was elected in November.
The company has donated $1m (£820,000) President-Elect’s Inaugural Fund, Hired a Republican as his public affairs director and declare that this is Get rid of fact-checkers on Meta’s social media platforms.
Zuckerberg is not the only executive to make such moves in the face of growing pressure from conservative groups.
