Apple board opposes proposal to end diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts

Apple to vote on DEI proposal amid trend of US companies scaling back such initiatives.

Listen to article

Apple’s board has recommended that its investors vote against a proposal to end its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.

The proposal was submitted by the conservative group, National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), which argues that DEI policies expose companies to potential legal, reputational, and financial risks.

In its response, Apple’s board emphasised that the NCPPR’s proposal is unnecessary, stating that the company already has adequate checks and balances in place.

The board also argued that the proposal "inappropriately seeks to micromanage the company’s programs and policies" by directing a specific method of legal compliance.

DEI programs are designed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. "Diversity" refers to the representation of people from various backgrounds, including race, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, and more, at all levels of an organization. "Equity" focuses on fairness, ensuring that employees are paid and treated justly, while "Inclusion" ensures that all employees feel they belong and are valued.

These programs typically involve training, organisational policies, practices, and efforts to improve company culture.

The proposal will be put to a vote during Apple’s annual general meeting on February 25. The call to end DEI initiatives aligns with a broader trend in the U.S.

Other prominent companies, including Meta, Amazon, Walmart, and McDonald's, have also reduced or restructured their DEI efforts. Meta, for example, recently announced a shift in its DEI strategy, citing a “shifting legal and policy landscape” and the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action.

Additionally, Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has been working to reconcile with former President Donald Trump, who has been outspoken in his opposition to DEI programs.

The ongoing debate surrounding DEI initiatives has been fueled by increasing challenges from conservative groups, who contend that such policies may be at odds with legal precedents and the evolving political landscape under the Biden administration.