Apple Shareholders Reject Proposals to End DEI Policies Amid National Rollbacks
Despite growing corporate shifts away from diversity initiatives, Apple shareholders voted to maintain the company's DEI programs and contributions to progressive groups.
- Apple shareholders voted against two proposals to abolish the company's DEI policies and evaluate its contributions to progressive organizations during its annual meeting on Tuesday.
- The proposals, submitted by conservative groups, argued that DEI initiatives pose legal, financial, and reputational risks to companies and shareholders.
- Apple's board recommended rejecting the proposals, citing them as unnecessary and an attempt to micromanage business operations, while affirming the company's commitment to a 'culture of belonging.'
- President Donald Trump criticized Apple’s decision, calling for a full elimination of DEI policies, following his recent executive order targeting DEI programs in federal agencies and private entities receiving government funds.
- The vote comes as numerous major corporations, including Google, Meta, and JPMorgan Chase, have scaled back DEI efforts in response to political and legal pressures.