Apple’s board has urged its shareholders to vote against a think tank’s proposal to end its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Apple’s directors say the Anti-DEI Proposal is unnecessary because the company has appropriate checks and balance in place to safeguard against “litigation, reputational and financial risks.”
The National Center for Public Policy, a think tank, submitted a proposal that Apple consider abolishing its “Inclusion & Diversity program, policies, department and goals.”
The iPhone maker responded that it had a well-established compliance program and that was Anti-DEI Proposal was unnecessary. It added that the shareholder proposal was an inappropriate attempt to micromanage the company’s business strategy.
“At Apple, we believe that how we conduct ourselves is as critical to Apple’s success as making the best products in the world. We seek to conduct business ethically, honestly, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and our Business Conduct and Compliance policies are foundational to how we do business,” the company said Friday in its proxy statement.
Major US giants, including Meta and Amazon, appear to be rethinking their stance on DEI programs. Amazon has already initiated a rollback on its DEI initiatives, describing these programs as “outdated.” Meta also announced the scraping its DEI programs, joining Walmart and McDonald’s.
In a memo to staff about the decision, Meta cited a “shifting legal and policy landscape.” It also referred to the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling.
Despite this trend, Apple remains fully committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.
Apple’s DEI efforts are multifaceted, encompassing programs and initiatives aimed at fostering representation and equity. With its New Silicon Initiative (NSI), which collaborates with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Apple aims to inspire and prepare the younger workforce for careers in hardware technology. Since it rolled out in 2021, NSI has partnered with institutions such Morgan State, Alabama A&M, Howard University, and Prairie View A&M, providing Apple Innovation Grants and curriculum support.
Recently, Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI) made significant investments to address systemic racism and expand opportunities to people of color. The iPhone maker invested $25 million as a founding partner of the Propel Center, a global learning and innovation hub supporting all HBCUs. This partnership helped programs such as the Black Film Institute at Simmons College of Kentucky, supporting students with hands-on experience in filmmaking and storytelling.
Despite its steadfast DEI efforts, Apple has continually faced challenges regarding its internal practices. In June 2024, Apple was named in a proposed class-action lawsuit filed in California by two long-term female employees. The lawsuit accused the iPhone maker of systemically underpaying over 12,000 female employees compared to their male counterparts. In response to these pay disparity allegations, Apple has maintained that it is committed to equal opportunity employment and does not discriminate based on legally protected characteristics.
As the annual meeting approach on February 25, Apple investors will have the opportunity to vote on the Anti-DEI proposal. The outcome could not only change Apple’s internal policies but will also signal a shift in trends in corporate America’s approach to DEI initiatives.
